A Henderson man has been sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after admitting to fatally stabbing his girlfriend inside the apartment they shared.
On Wednesday, Clark County District Court Judge Michelle Leavitt sentenced 28-year-old Maurice Vanderhall to 17 years to life in prison in connection with the death of 26-year-old Kennedi Oriti.
Vanderhall pleaded guilty in March to second-degree murder with a deadly weapon following the December 2024 killing.
The case drew attention after Vanderhall called 911 himself and told dispatchers he had killed his girlfriend.
Killing
According to Henderson police, officers responded on Dec. 2, 2024, after Vanderhall called 911 from the clubhouse of his apartment complex near Horizon Ridge Parkway and Horizon Drive.
In audio later obtained by 8 News Now, Vanderhall appeared calm while speaking with emergency dispatchers.
“I need officers to come and arrest me,” Vanderhall told the dispatcher.
When asked why, he responded: “I killed my girlfriend.”
Investigators later determined Vanderhall stabbed Oriti approximately 20 times.
Police said the killing happened on the same day Oriti was preparing to move out of the apartment the couple shared.
Court records indicate Vanderhall and Oriti had been in a relationship for about eight months before her death.
Courtroom
During Wednesday’s sentencing hearing, Vanderhall addressed the court and attempted to explain his actions.
At one point, Judge Michelle Leavitt interrupted him after he spoke for several minutes about unrelated details.
“Okay, is there anything you want to say about sentencing?” Leavitt asked. “Because I’m not sure this is relevant.”
Vanderhall eventually apologized to Oriti’s family before sentencing was handed down.
Defense attorney Julia Murray told the court the relationship involved emotional struggles and difficult circumstances.
“Sometimes the worst thing that can happen is two broken people meeting at the wrong moment in time, and I think that’s very much what happened here,” Murray said during the hearing.
Family
Members of Kennedi Oriti’s family also addressed the court before sentencing.
Her father, Jeffrey Oriti, described his daughter as a dedicated chef who had worked in Napa before relocating to Las Vegas. He said she had planned to return to Napa the night she was killed.
“All she ever wanted to do was go on with her career, which she loved to do, and he took that from her,” her father told the court.
Family members also spoke about the hardships Oriti had already faced before her death.
According to relatives, Oriti had been coping with the loss of her mother to breast cancer and her brother to suicide.
Her aunt, Pam Bartkowitz, asked the court to consider both the violence of the crime and the long-term impact on the family.
“I ask the court to consider not only the brutality of this crime but also the strength of the life that was taken, and the devastating lifelong impact her loss has had on me and my entire family,” Bartkowitz said during the hearing.
Sentence
Judge Leavitt sentenced Vanderhall to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 17 years.
Under Nevada law, second-degree murder convictions involving a deadly weapon can carry enhanced prison penalties.
| Charge | Sentence |
|---|---|
| Second-degree murder with a deadly weapon | Life with parole eligibility after 17 years |
Court proceedings also revealed Vanderhall admitted to police that he attempted to take his own life after the killing.
Investigators said Vanderhall told officers he tried to hang himself, but the noose broke.
Investigation
Police said the investigation began immediately after Vanderhall contacted emergency dispatchers and asked officers to arrest him.
Authorities have not publicly discussed a detailed motive beyond statements indicating Oriti had been preparing to move out of the shared apartment.
The case highlights ongoing concerns surrounding domestic violence incidents that escalate into deadly encounters.
According to advocacy groups and law enforcement agencies, relationship-related violence remains a significant public safety issue across the United States. Officials often encourage individuals experiencing domestic abuse or threats to seek assistance through law enforcement or support organizations.
For Oriti’s family, Wednesday’s sentencing marked the conclusion of the criminal court case, though relatives told the court the emotional effects of her death will continue long after the legal proceedings end.
FAQs
Who was sentenced in the Henderson murder case?
Maurice Vanderhall was sentenced.
Who was the victim in the case?
The victim was Kennedi Oriti.
What charge did Vanderhall plead guilty to?
He pleaded guilty to second-degree murder.
How long before parole eligibility?
He can seek parole after 17 years.
How did police learn about the crime?
Vanderhall called 911 and confessed.
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