Gazette file photo Prosecutor Dan Helmer (left), Defense Attorney David Gemignani (center), and Jacob Kempainen appeared in Houghton County Circuit last. year. Kempainen's sentencing for his role in the dealth of his grandfather Alvin Kempainen, scheduled for ths past Monday, was delayed because of the closure of the Houghton County Courthouse due to weather.

HOUGHTON — The sentencing of Jacob Kempainen in Houghton County Circuit, scheduled for Monday, was postponed due to the closure of the Houghton County Courthouse because of blizzard conditions. In December, the 22-year old Kempainen pleaded guilty to 2nd degree murder for his role in the Dec. 18, 2023 death of his grandfather, Alvin, 86. In exchange for his plea, the Open Murder and conspiracy charges against Kempainen, as well as the firearm charge, will be dismissed. There is a sentencing agreement that the minimum sentence not exceed 15 years in the Michigan Department of Corrections.

Kempainen, and his mother Margaret Kempainen, were charged in the death of the elder Kempainen in his Hancock Township home. The mother and son were arrested the day after police found Alvin Kempainen dead of a gunshot wound. They were arrested in Clear Lake, Iowa.

According to a December article in the Daily Mining Gazette, the plea agreement requires Kempainen to cooperate with investigators and testify truthfully in the trial of his co-defendant and mother.

According to a press release from Houghton County Prosecutor Daniel Helmer, “This plea offer was made after lengthy discussions with investigators, a careful evaluation of the evidence, and in consultation with multiple family members of the victim, Alvin Kempainen.”

“Unfortunately, although Jacob invoked his Miranda rights prior to questioning, Iowa police did not honor his request, and his entire statement was suppressed by the Court. The entire case then hinged on the testimony of his then-juvenile sister, which presented concerns for both myself and the lead detective,” Helmer added.

Helmer said an additional, strong, factor in the plea offer involves his doing whatever he can to secure a conviction against Jacob’s mother for her role “in this horrible crime.” No plea offer has been extended to her, Helmer said.

The Daily Mining Gazette reached out to the 12th Circuit Court and found no new date has been set for Kempainen’s sentencing. Both Jacob and Margaret Kempainen remain lodged in the Houghton County Jail.