By: Richard L. Smith
A Gloucester County judge has reaffirmed the life sentence of Kenneth Houseknecht, who was convicted in the 1988 murder of 12-year-old Kim Anderson in Woodbury.
Gloucester County Prosecutor Andrew B. Johns said the ruling was issued by the Honorable Kevin T. Smith following Houseknecht’s request for resentencing.
According to court documents and statements made in open court, Houseknecht was 14 years old on April 19, 1988, when he broke into the Anderson home intending to steal money.
Kim Anderson was home alone preparing for school when Houseknecht attacked her, beating and repeatedly stabbing her, causing her death.
Houseknecht was charged with murder, tried as an adult and found guilty.
On Sept. 17, 1991, he was sentenced to life in prison with 30 years of parole ineligibility.
He later sought resentencing under State v. Comer, a ruling that allows juveniles serving lengthy prison sentences to request a review after 20 years of incarceration.
The court reviewed testimony from forensic psychological experts for both the prosecution and defense, along with statements from Houseknecht, his family and the victim’s family.
After considering the evidence and arguments, Judge Smith affirmed the original life sentence.