The Dorr area teenager who was acc
used or raping and killing his 21-year-old cousin near Doan’s Lake last summer pleaded guilty this morning to felony murder.
Joshua Keyzer, who then was 15, admitted to Allegan County Circuit Judge Margaret Bakker, that killed Kassandra Keyzer while attempting to rape her. In a halting voice, Keyzer admitted he killed Kassandra Keyzer, 21, while trying to rape her.
Joshua has been held at the county juvenile detention center the incident June 25. He also was accused of attacking his grandmother, Sharon Keyzer, then 67, with a knife. Though she survived her
injuries, Sharon died of cancer last December.
His plea was part an agreement with the prosecutor’s office in which he avoid life in prison without for parole, the mandatory sentence for adults convicted of felony or first-degree murder. The prosecutor’s office will seek a 40- to 60-years prison next month.
Josh Keyzer was living part of the time at his grandmother’s home in Wayland Township near Doan’s Lake south of Wayland when the murder and rape took place. Sharon Keyzer called 911 after her grandson attacked her.
Josh was found on top of the roof covered in blood and holding a knife. He fell and then tried to run but was captured quickly by police.
Kassandra Keyzer, a Wayand High School graduate, was the mother of a 2-year-old boy and was enrolled at Aquinas College
Joshua has not offered any explanation for his actions. He underwent two psychiatric examinations and was determined to be competent to stand trial.
Charges of felony murder mean a murder was committed during the commission of another felony, in this case criminal sexual conduct.
PHOTOS: Joshua Keyzer
Kassandra Keyzer Sharon KeyzerJ