Jake Hemmert, of Alva, has been adjudicated guilty and sentenced to 30 years in prison, with a 25-year minimum/mandatory, followed by 10 years of probation, for the murder of his father in 2023. He pled no-contest to Second Degree Murder with a Firearm, Tampering with Evidence, Abuse of a Human Body, and Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card.
Assistant State Attorney Andreas Gardiner, of the State Attorney’s Office Homicide Unit, prosecuted the case.
The victim was reported missing in August 2023 by a family member. Even though no one had spoken to him or seen him, banking activity continued with money being spent from his account. The defendant, who lived with his father at the time, told detectives multiple stories about where his father may be. He claimed his father was on a hunting trip in another part of the country and another time claimed his father left the country. He also claimed to have spoken to his father, via his cellphone after his disappearance, but evidence from cell towers showed his father’s phone was still inside his Alva home.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office executed a search warrant at the residence and blood stains were visible in the master bathroom of the house. The victim’s phone was also located. There were numerous air fresheners throughout the home. As the investigation continued, financial records showed the defendant purchased a large freezer and had it delivered to the home around the time of the victim’s disappearance.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office executed a second search warrant and discovered the freezer, plugged in and running, concealed in the home. The victim’s body was located inside.
Samantha Syoen – Communications Director, State Attorney’s Office