Killer Pleads No Contest to Sister's Murder

Lisa Hinthorne has agreed to be convicted of murder in the 2023 death of her half-sister, Patty Kennett. She entered a no contest plea just hours before prosecutors were scheduled to reveal new evidence during a preliminary hearing. The Fresno County Superior Court judge informed Hinthorne that the maximum punishment for her crimes is 40 years to life.

Authorities stated that Hinthorne initially claimed her sister had died, but no corresponding hospital or ambulance records were found. Investigators later discovered Kennett's bloodied car in Madera and her body in a remote area of Coalinga. Surveillance video showing Kennett falling and Hinthorne moving the body with an accomplice was key evidence.

Hinthorne's decision to change her plea avoids a jury trial and potentially reduces her sentence by 10 years. She also waived her right to appeal. A judge is scheduled to sentence her to 40 years to life in prison on January 8.