Amish Teen Sentenced to Life for Raping and Killing Woman, Then Volunteering to Inform Her Family

A 19-year-old Amish man from Pomeroy, Ohio, has been sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after pleading guilty to aggravated murder. On March 13, 2025, deputies were called to a home where they found Rosanna Kinsinger, 28, deceased inside her residence alongside her goat. The community had grown concerned when no one heard from Kinsinger for an extended period.

Mose Troyer, a member of the local Amish community, went to check on Kinsinger after neighbors reported their concerns. Upon entering the home, he discovered her body and promptly alerted authorities. Samuel Hochstetler, now 19 years old, was identified as a suspect shortly thereafter and detained following an interview with detectives.

Hochstetler faced multiple charges including aggravated murder, two counts of murder, rape, strangulation, and two counts of kidnapping. The victim and the accused were acquaintances who had worked together on a greenhouse project but were not in any romantic relationship. According to prosecutor James Stanley, Kinsinger did not like Hochstetler.

In a shocking twist, Hochstetler volunteered to inform Kinsinger’s parents about her death and spent several nights at their home after the murder. He reportedly helped with chores and prepared the barn for her funeral without revealing his true identity or actions. This behavior further traumatized the grieving family who were unaware they had welcomed their daughter's killer into their midst.

On July 24, Hochstetler pleaded guilty to aggravated murder in order to avoid a trial. The plea deal was offered due to a previous ruling that deemed any statements made by Hochstetler during his initial interrogation as inadmissible because he did not understand his rights at the time of questioning. As part of his sentence, Hochstetler will be eligible for parole after serving 25 years and must register as a sex offender if released.

During his sentencing hearing, Hochstetler expressed remorse for his actions, stating, “I’m sorry for everything I did. I wish I could go back to those days and make a different life. … I don’t know how to fully express how sorry I am for all this.”

The case has drawn significant attention due to its unusual circumstances and the complex ethical questions it raises about confession admissibility in court proceedings involving individuals who may not fully comprehend their legal rights.