Fiancé gets maximum sentence in death of Katelyn Markham

BUTLER COUNTY — For 13 years David Markham has suffered the loss of his daughter, Katelyn.

“It’s just everyday life without Katelyn. I mean, my first child. We were very close,” David said

On Thursday, he said he felt her presence in the courtroom.

>> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Fiancé accused in death of Katelyn Markham pleads guilty to involuntary manslaughter

After admitting to his role in Katelyn’s death during his sentencing hearing, John Carter said nothing when given the chance.

Katelyn was last seen in August 2011 at her apartment in Butler County. She was days away from her 22nd birthday.

Her remains were found in 2013 in Cedar Grove, Indiana.

Carter’s lawyers wanted probation or a minimum prison sentence.

Prosecutors argued for a maximum of three years in prison.

The judge had scathing words for Carter before announcing his decision.

He told Carter there was a degree of responsibility through the plea agreement but there has been no explanation of how or why he killed Katelyn and no genuine remorse.

>> PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Arrest made in connection with Katelyn Markham cold case investigation

“When does the acknowledgment come? ‘This person I’ve loved, that I’ve caused their death’ the family needs to know. The community needs to know. They don’t need to be constantly in fear,” Judge Daniel E. Haughey, Butler County Common Pleas Court said.

Then the judge announced his punishment — the maximum of three years in prison.

“Relieved. Grateful. Thankful to the judge for giving him the maximum that he deserves. And this is. It’s not over. And no, it’s not closure. But it’s the start of something. Something else to come,” Markham said.

The first person charged in connection with this case was Carter’s best friend, Jonathan Palmerton.

He was charged with perjury.

A charge Butler County Prosecutor Mike Gmoser later dropped but said he would re-indict Palmerton after Carter’s case was over.

Gmoser said Thursday he stands by what he said and his office is still looking at Palmerton.

We will continue to follow this story.

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