Background: Jeremy Thompson (WAVE). Inset: Kierrea Stone-Gonzalez (Tribute Archive).
A jury in Kentucky has suggested a sentence of 35 years in prison for a man found guilty of murdering his girlfriend and leaving her 2-year-old child alone with her deceased body for four days.
Last week, 30-year-old Jeremy Thompson was found guilty of murder and illegal possession of a handgun due to his status as a convicted felon, linked to the 2022 killing of Kierrea Stone-Gonzalez in Louisville. The jury recommended a 35-year prison term for the murder and an additional five years for the handgun charge, to be served simultaneously. Thompson will be required to serve a minimum of 20 years before being eligible for parole. His formal sentencing is scheduled for July 2.
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According to a press release from the Jefferson County Commonwealth’s Attorney, Thompson shot the 23-year-old Stone-Gonzalez in the back of the head on or about Sept. 17, 2022, and left her 2-year-old daughter alone in the apartment. It wasn’t until four days later that authorities discovered her body.
A subsequent investigation showed Thompson left behind a trail of evidence. Before he killed her, the defendant threatened Stone-Gonzalez over Facebook, saying he would “smoke her and get away with it.” After the shooting he bragged that he shot someone the night prior, admitted he still had possession of the gun and claimed to be a “professional.”
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After receiving his Miranda warnings, he told cops the two had a “fight over infidelity” which led to a fight over the gun. It went off, hitting her in the front of the head, prosecutors said.
“The jury found this defendant responsible for taking the life of a young mother and creating a tragic set of circumstances for her family,” said Commonwealth’s Attorney Gerina D. Whethers. “Gun violence is a scourge on our community in all its forms, and we will not stand for it.”
Stone-Gonzalez’s obituary described her as a “thoughtful person who was always ready to help anyone in need.”
“She also would defend her family to the end,” the obituary read.
In the lead-up to her death, she obtained her “dream job” at a local hospital. She also was attending college. But her “biggest and proudest moment” was becoming a mother.
“Oh, how she loved her and wanted to be the best mom,” the obituary said.
