An Alaska man who believed he would earn $750,000 for his role in the murder of a 19-year-old woman with developmental difficulties was sentenced to 70 years behind bars.
Kayden McIntosh, 22, was sentenced on November 15 after pleading guilty to second-degree murder in connection with Cynthia Hoffman’s kidnapping and death in 2019, according to the Alaska Department of Law.
Hoffman went lost in June 2019 while hiking with Denali Brehmer, the victim’s best friend, and another buddy.
Hoffman’s body was discovered two days later on the banks of the Eklutna River. She was restrained with duct tape and suffered a gunshot wound to the back of her skull.
According to authorities, McIntosh and Brehmer decided to kill Hoffman after Brehmer was persuaded by an Indiana guy named Darin Schilmiller, who offered $9 million to kill someone and give him images and recordings of the crime.
According to the Department of Law, McIntosh was ultimately responsible for Hoffman’s death and expected he would be compensated for his actions.
The Anchorage Daily News reported that prosecutors said McIntosh anticipated he’d collect $750,000 for the crime.
Brehmer and Kayden McIntosh, who were 18 and 16 at the time, drove Hoffman to Thunderbird Falls, authorities say. After McIntosh shot Hoffman, the couple duct-taped the victim and snapped photos.
“[McIntosh] showed no real remorse and has never fully admitted his conduct,” Judge Andrew Peterson stated. “It was not an impulsive act. This was a planned and premeditated act.”
Several individuals were charged in connection with Hoffman’s killing.
Brehmer received a 99-year prison term in 2024 for her involvement in the murder. Schilmiller received a 99-year sentence after pleading guilty to soliciting a murder.
Another man, Caleb Leyland, pled guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 30 years in jail.
Two more were charged as youths, according to the Anchorage Daily News.
According to the publication, Hoffman’s father, Timothy, stated that his daughter had developmental difficulties and considered Brehmer her greatest friend.
Timothy Hoffman died in June 2024 after losing control of his motorbike on a memorial ride to mark the fifth anniversary of his daughter’s death, according to Alaska State Troopers.
