Father sentenced to 29 years for killing 3 year old daughter

Kansas City, Kansas: On Friday, March 25, 2022 Howard Jensen III was sentenced to 29 years in prison for the death of his three-year-old daughter, Olivia.

On February 11, 2022 30-year-old Jensen pleaded no contest to charges which included second-degree murder, abuse of a child, three counts of aggravated endangering a child, and interference with law enforcement.

Olivia was reported missing by Jensen and his girlfriend, Jacqulyn Kirkpatrick on July 10, 2020. Before the day was over however, the Amber Alert that had been issued was canceled and the search was over. Olivia's body was discovered in a shallow grave.

Family members, some of whom were present at Jansen's sentencing, had previously expressed concerns about possible abuse or neglect to the Kansas Department for Children and Families.

During the course of the proceedings against Jansen and Kirkpatrick, the Kansas Department of Children and Families presented the court with a 533-page case file. It is unclear what, if anything, was done by the KPCF to investigate the reports or if there have been any procedural changes enacted.

"I just want everybody to remember her for what she was," KCTV quoted Vickey Saindon, Olivia's grandmother as saying. "She was a precious baby. She was happy and full of joy. I just ask everyone to remember her for who she is and not the people who took her life away from us."