California Resident Sentenced to 140 Years for Raping 9-Year-Old and Woman—Shifted Blame to Identical Twin Brothers

A man found guilty of kidnapping, raping a jogger, and molesting a 9-year-old girl in separate incidents, now faces a 140-year prison sentence, according to authorities.

Kevin Konther, a 57-year-old resident of Highland, Calif., was apprehended in 2019 for the 1995 rape of a 9-year-old and the 1998 rape of a female jogger, states a February press release from the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.

A jury convicted him on two felony counts of forcible rape, two felony counts of forcible oral copulation, one felony count of a forcible lewd act upon a child, and one felony count of a lewd and lascivious act with a minor, according to the press statement.

On Friday, he received a 140-year-to-life sentence in state prison, as confirmed by the DA's office to PEOPLE.

During the sentencing, the judge referred to Konther as a "sexual carnivore," likening his actions to a predator seeking prey, The Mercury News reported.

In October 1995, Konther reportedly assaulted a 9-year-old girl returning home after purchasing school supplies, dragging her down an embankment and raping her, according to the DA’s office. Despite the victim's pleas and disclosure of her age, Konther callously laughed.

Nearly three years later, in June 1998, he attacked a 32-year-old jogger in a similar manner, escaping after the assault. DNA evidence from this incident matched the DNA recovered from the 1995 rape.

After a 2018 investigation using genetic genealogy, Konther faced charges related to the two rapes and the molestation of a 12-year-old girl between 1999 and 2003.

During the inquiry, Konther attempted to shift blame to his identical twin brother, who shares identical DNA. However, secretly recorded conversations between the brothers revealed incriminating statements, including Konther admitting to the crimes.

Konther, in these recordings, expressed hatred towards women and discussed a perceived chemical imbalance in his brain. He acknowledged his criminal past and the need to face consequences.

For support if you've experienced sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to connect with a certified crisis counselor.

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