Court proceedings today brings end to chapter in murder of Det. Hearne

No one will ever forget Det. Kristen Hearne, and those who held her dear and near in their hearts will never get over the pain of losing her on a tragic day in September 2017.

Nearly five years after she was shot and killed in the line of duty, the other suspect involved in her death is now facing penalties for her part in the loss of a beloved law enforcement officer.

Samantha Roof, who was with Seth Spangler when he shot and killed Det. Hearne and shot Officer David Goodrich while they were investigating a suspicious car, was sentenced in court today after taking a guilty plea on lesser charges. She has been charged with murder alongside Spangler, but instead she’ll be behind bars for a long time on the charge of involuntary manslaughter.

Additionally, she’ll serve jail time for two counts aggravated assault on a peace officer, theft by receiving, and for possession of methamphetamine.

Superior Court Judge Mark Murphy handed down 20 years to serve 10 on the charges in total for the involuntary manslaughter and the other charges combined.

“The family is pleased that it’s finally over, and thanked the court system, the Judge, the District Attorney’s office, and law enforcement for their understanding, support, and prayers through the process,” District Attorney Jack Browning said following today’s court hearing.

He noted that her involvement in Det. Hearne’s didn’t rise to the level of Spangler’s shooting of the two officers and fleeing from law enforcement after the crime, but that she still had to face consequences for her actions.

She has already spent the past five years in jail, and gets credit toward the 10 years for time served.

Spangler was sentenced at the end of March to life without the possibility of parole for murder and other associated charges. He took a guilty plea in the case as well.

Polk County Police Officer David Goodrich remains in public safety on a part-time basis with the force, and serves with Redmond EMS as well.