Cory Young, a self-identified neo-Nazi skinhead, was sentenced on Monday to 3 1/2 years in prison for his involvement in the beating death of Jake Kelly, a 49-year-old gay man from north Phoenix.
The sentencing took place in Maricopa County Superior Court and stems from a plea agreement reached in November 2023.
Young, 45, who has a history of violent offences and is covered in racist tattoos, pleaded guilty to a Class 3 felony for hindering the police investigation into Kelly’s death. The court heard that Young and his wife, Shannon, had been living with Kelly at the time of the fatal incident in August 2023.
Before Judge Daniel Martin announced the sentence, Kelly’s mother, Jan Kelly, addressed the court, describing Young as a “monster” with a history of violent crimes, including assaults committed while in prison. Though acknowledging that Young had not been convicted of murder, she expressed her wish for a longer sentence to prevent him from harming others in the future.
“I know we haven’t convicted Cory of murder,” Jan Kelly said. “But I hope one day he is put away for good.”
She also recounted the devastating loss of her son, who suffered severe injuries, including a crushed throat and a shattered jaw, during the attack. Jake Kelly never regained full consciousness after being hospitalised and passed away on September 8, 2023.
Jan Kelly criticised Young and Shannon for delaying medical help, alleging they bathed her son and waited until the following day to take him to the hospital. She accused them of trying to avoid police involvement.
Judge Martin had the discretion to impose a sentence ranging from probation to a maximum of 8 3/4 years. He deemed the presumptive term of 3 1/2 years appropriate, with Young receiving credit for 184 days already served. The judge noted the severity of the case while adhering to the terms of the plea deal.
Shannon Young, 37, who pleaded guilty to hindering prosecution last year, was sentenced to probation in December. She remained emotionless in court as her husband was handcuffed and escorted out by deputies to begin his prison sentence.
