For Immediate Release, Sept. 12, 2023
A Jackson County judge on Tuesday sentenced Michael Hendricks and Maggie Ybarra to life sentences plus decades more for the gruesome murder of Kensie Aubry, whose body was recovered from a Grain Valley, MO, property, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced today.
Hendricks was sentenced to Life in Prison Without the Possibility of Parole plus 44.5 years more in prison, while Ybarra was sentenced to Life in Prison plus 56.5 years, following an emotional sentencing hearing Tuesday afternoon.
In Aug. 2021, a Jackson County grand jury indicted Hendricks, dob: 9/20/1980, and Ybarra, dob: 10/7/1990, on charges of Murder 1st Degree, Harassment 1st Degree and Sexual Misconduct 1st Degree. The indictment also charged defendant Hendricks with the additional charges of Enticement of a Child and Child Molestation 3rd Degree. Defendant Ybarra, dob: 10/7/1990, was additionally charged with Enticement of a Child, Sexual Misconduct 1st Degree, a misdemeanor count of Tampering With Physical Evidence and three counts of Tampering With A Victim.
Prosecutor Baker issued this statement following today's sentencing:
My office spent countless hours to assure justice in this case of frankly unspeakable human behavior. We sought the max under the law. I am proud of this trial team that brought these defendants to today's fitting outcome. I must again point to the bravery of the young victim who led law enforcement to these defendants. I must also praise law enforcement, notably the Grandview Police Department, for believing and acting on the word of this young victim. Justice could not have been served without her bravery and her sense of right and wrong. She ultimately delivered this just ruling.
Assistant Jackson County prosecutors Kristiane Bryant, Danielle Sediqzad and Ryan Miller prosecuted the case on behalf of the state of Missouri.
For more information, contact:
Michael Mansur
Director of Communication
Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office
Jean Peters Baker, Prosecutor
Work : (816) 881-3812
Mobile : (816) 674-3954
www.jacksoncounyprosecutor.com
mmansur@jacksongov.org