Merkins sentenced in child’s death case

Kristopher Merkins was sentenced this week in the death of his 8-year-old daughter, Paityn, who passed away in June of 2021. Merkins originally had nine charges against him including first degree felony involuntary manslaughter and a felony in the third degree reckless homicide. It looked like the case would go to a jury trial, however, Merkins accepted an offer from the state just before the jury would have been seated.

Charges 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, and 9 were dismissed. Count 7 was ammended from a felony in the second degree to a felony in the third degree: endangering children. Merkins was sentenced following the recommendation in the plea agreement: 30 months incarceration with the intention to file for judicial release after 12 months served.

Judge T. Shawn Hervey said, “No sentence will ever bring Paityn back. We can’t turn the clock back and stop the things that lead us here… today we have a different job: to hold people accountable for the action, or, in this case, inaction. While we cannot set things right, I’m hoping this will bring some closure.”

He ended by saying he wished that none of them had to be there in the courtroom but that he hopes Paityn will be remembered forever. “I certainly will.”