DAYTON — The man found guilty in the murder of his girlfriend’s special-needs son will learn how long he will spend in prison.
Michael Kendrick pleaded guilty to several charges related to the murder of Hershall Creachbaum Jr.
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Hershall Jr.’s family members told News Center 7 they want to see Kendrick be put away for life.
Hershall Jr.’s great-aunt Jessica Mcnier said in October, when Kendrick pleaded guilty to his murder, that they were all preparing for this day to see Kendrick receive his sentence for murdering their family member.
McNier said they are hoping for life without parole.
“I think he’s a coward, I also think he should get life without parole,” Mcnier.
Michael Kendrick pleaded guilty to one count of murder, three counts of gross abuse of a corpse, one count of endangering children and two counts of tampering with evidence.
Kendrick admitted to investigators in July of 2025 that he punched Hershall Jr. twice and fractured his ribs, which killed him.
Kendrick then left his body to die near train tracks and then moved the bones to the bridge.
Hershall Jr.’s murder saddened a lot of people who knew him.
Hershall Jr. was a student at Ruskin Elementary School and was loved by his teachers.
After Kendrick pleaded guilty, Dayton Public Schools superintendent David Lawrence shared this statement.
“We are still saddened as a district and as a community be Hershall’s death and the unnecessary death of any youth.” Said Lawrence. ”Justice is rarely closure, but this portion of the chapter has ended. We will continue to support the family in any way possible.”
Kendricks has been in the Montgomery County Jail since his arrest and appeared in court several times.
At 8:45 a.m. Nov. 12, Kendrick will be back in court for sentencing.
Ashley Johnson, Hershall Jr.’s mother, is facing charges of obstructing official business, tampering with evidence, and gross abuse of a corpse.
Johnson claimed she was not guilty, and her trial is set to start at the end of this month.
News Center 7 will continue to update this developing story.
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