Jury finds David Proffitt guilty of murder, recommends life plus 70 years in death of Alexandra Hemmann

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — A Warren County jury found David Proffitt guilty Thursday of intentionally murdering his girlfriend, Alexandra Hemmann, following a three-day trial that included testimony from investigators, medical experts, friends of the victim and Proffitt’s own recorded confession.

Jurors convicted Proffitt of intentional murder and first-degree strangulation in Hemmann’s 2023 death. The jury also found him guilty of second-degree persistent felony offender status, along with charges of abuse of a corpse, theft over $1,000 and three counts of second-degree forgery.

Following the guilty verdicts, jurors recommended a sentence of life in prison for the murder conviction, along with additional prison terms on the remaining charges. Combined, the jury recommended a sentence of life plus 70 years, to be served consecutively.

The verdict came after closing arguments from both the Commonwealth and defense attorneys earlier in the day.

Before deliberations began, Judge Cohron ruled jurors could consider charges of intentional murder, wanton murder and first-degree manslaughter. He declined to include second-degree manslaughter or voluntary intoxication instructions. Cohron also stated that Extreme Emotional Disturbance (EED) is not itself a mental disease.

Defense attorney Steve Wilson argued Proffitt did not intentionally kill Hemmann and instead urged jurors to consider a lesser charge. Wilson told the jury there was no evidence Proffitt planned to kill Hemmann and argued the fatal encounter occurred during an emotionally charged argument after both had been drinking.

Wilson also questioned aspects of the investigation, including the decision not to request a sexual assault examination during the autopsy.

Prosecutors argued the evidence showed a deliberate pattern of choices made by Proffitt before, during and after Hemmann’s death. During closing arguments, the Commonwealth highlighted Proffitt’s confession, evidence that he strangled Hemmann multiple times and his actions in the days following her death, including sending messages from her phone and using her financial accounts.

Prosecutors repeatedly emphasized Proffitt’s own statement to police that Hemmann’s final words were, “Please stop. I love you. I can’t breathe.”

Earlier in the day, Hemmann’s mother, Rena Hemmann, delivered emotional testimony during the sentencing phase. She described her daughter as “so special” and told jurors her family has never been the same since her death.

“Everything has changed,” Hemmann said, describing the loss of family gatherings, traditions and holidays following her daughter’s death.

Jurors also heard testimony from Kentucky Probation and Parole Officer Brian Hogan regarding sentencing guidelines and parole eligibility associated with the charges.

According to testimony, Proffitt was on parole at the time of the offense.

Proffitt chose not to testify during the trial.

Judge Cohron scheduled formal sentencing for July 27 at 9 a.m. in Warren Circuit Court.