In a tragic case that shook Kentucky, J. Thompson, 30, has been convicted of murdering his 23-year-old girlfriend, K. Gonzales. Thompson shot Gonzales in the back of the head, left her lifeless body in their apartment alongside her 2-year-old child for several days, and later boasted about the killing.
Jury Verdict and Sentencing
After nearly two years since the crime, the jury found Thompson guilty of murder and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon. Last Thursday, they recommended he serve 35 years in prison for the murder and an additional five years for the firearm charge.
The sentences will run concurrently, meaning Thompson must serve at least 20 years before becoming eligible for parole. Thompson’s formal sentencing is scheduled for July 2, 2025.
Details of the Crime
On September 17, 2022, Thompson shot Gonzales following a heated argument about infidelity. Rather than reporting the shooting, he left the apartment, abandoning her 2-year-old daughter with her mother’s body.
The police discovered Gonzales’s body four days later, on September 21, with the toddler still inside the apartment during that entire time.
Disturbing Digital Evidence
Investigators uncovered alarming social media messages from Thompson. Before the shooting, he threatened Gonzales, warning her he would kill her and escape punishment. After her death, Thompson bragged on Facebook about the murder and his possession of the weapon, calling himself a “professional.”
During questioning, Thompson claimed the shooting was accidental, occurring during a struggle over the gun. However, evidence showed it was a deliberate act, followed by abandonment and deception.
Statement from the Commonwealth’s Attorney
G. Whethers, the Commonwealth’s Attorney, condemned the crime and emphasized the broader issue of gun violence.
“The jury found this defendant responsible for taking the life of a young mother and creating a tragic set of circumstances for her family,” Whethers said. “Gun violence is a scourge on our community in all its forms, and we will not stand for it.”
Remembering K. Gonzales
Friends and family remember Gonzales as a kind, loyal, and hardworking woman. She recently landed her “dream job” at a local hospital and was pursuing college studies. Above all, she cherished being a mother.
Her obituary described her as a “thoughtful person who was always ready to help anyone in need.”
This heartbreaking case highlights the deadly impact of domestic violence. While justice has been served, the pain and loss remain deeply felt by those who loved Gonzales.