Teen convicted in metal-pipe beating death of 10-year-old girl gets life sentence

A Colorado teen convicted in the metal-pipe beating death of a 10-year-old girl was sentenced to life in prison Tuesday.

Aidan Zellmer, now 17, was tried as an adult. He ultimately pleaded guilty, as part of a plea deal, to one count of first-degree murder in the death of Kiaya Campbell on June 7, 2017. He could become eligible for parole after 40 years, authorities said.

“In 27 years as a prosecutor, I have never seen a 15-year-old commit such a violent act,” 17th Judicial District Attorney Dave Young said at the sentencing, according to Fox 31 Denver.

“In 27 years as a prosecutor, I have never seen a 15-year-old commit such a violent act.”
— 17th Judicial District Attorney Dave Young

After slugging the child in the head five times with the pipe, Zellmer then dragged her into a ditch, where he left her to die, an affidavit showed.

Kiaya Campbell, who was 10 years old at the time, was murdered on June 7, 2017. (Thornton Police Department)

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Kiaya suffered multiple blunt-force injuries to the head as well as wounds to several fingers, according to an autopsy report. Officers used blood and DNA evidence collected from Zellmer's shoes to link him to the murder, the station reported.

The affidavit said Kiaya's body was found naked from the waist down and there was evidence of a sexual assault, though sex crime charges were later dismissed as part of the plea deal, according to Fox 31.

Zellmer and Campbell had left their house in Thornton, a Denver suburb where they both lived, to go steal Pokemon cards and candy, the affidavit said.

Zellmer's mother was in a relationship with Campbell's father at the time, the station reported.

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Young said a clear motive for the crime hasn't been established because Zellmer hasn't disclosed one to authorities, the Denver Post reported.

His defense attorney spoke at the sentencing about the teen having a mental health issue, troubled family history and suffering alleged abuse, the report said.

But Young dismissed the teen's past as an excuse for killing the girl, the Post reported.

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Chantel Campbell, the victim's mother, said 40 years is not enough.

“No mother should have to hear about how her daughter was brutally beaten,” she said.

Until he turns 18, Zellmer will not be placed with adults in the Department of Corrections, the Post reported.

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