Kayden McIntosh, now 22, was sentenced to 70 years after pleading guilty to second-degree murder in the 2019 abduction and killing of 19-year-old Cynthia Hoffman, who had developmental disabilities. Prosecutors say McIntosh shot Hoffman after being lured into the plot; he reportedly believed he would receive about $750,000. The killing was allegedly instigated by an Indiana man who offered millions for a murder; multiple co-defendants received lengthy prison terms.
Lured With a $750,000 Promise — He Helped Kill a 19‑Year‑Old and Was Sentenced to 70 Years
Kayden McIntosh, now 22, was sentenced to 70 years after pleading guilty to second-degree murder in the 2019 abduction and killing of 19-year-old Cynthia Hoffman, who had developmental disabilities. Prosecutors say McIntosh shot Hoffman after being lured into the plot; he reportedly believed he would receive about $750,000. The killing was allegedly instigated by an Indiana man who offered millions for a murder; multiple co-defendants received lengthy prison terms.
03:51 AM, 11/18/2025Society
Alaska man sentenced after fatal 2019 abduction and killing
Kayden McIntosh, 22, was sentenced on Nov. 15 to 70 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder in the 2019 kidnapping and death of 19-year-old Cynthia Hoffman, the Alaska Department of Law said.
Hoffman, who had developmental disabilities, disappeared in June 2019 while hiking with Denali Brehmer — whom she considered a close friend — and another companion. Two days later her body was discovered on the banks of the Eklutna River. She had been bound with duct tape and died from a gunshot wound to the back of the head.
Authorities say the killing was planned after Brehmer was contacted by an Indiana man, Darin Schilmiller, who allegedly offered $9 million to anyone willing to murder a person and send photos and videos of the act. Prosecutors said McIntosh ultimately shot Hoffman and believed he would be paid for participating; the Anchorage Daily News reported he expected roughly $750,000.
At the time of the murder, Brehmer was 18 and McIntosh was 16. Court records say the pair drove Hoffman to Thunderbird Falls before the shooting; after the shooting they bound the victim and took photographs.
"[McIntosh] showed no real remorse and has never fully admitted his conduct," Judge Andrew Peterson said. "This was not an impulsive act. This was a planned, premeditated act."
Several people were charged in connection with Hoffman's death. In 2024, Brehmer received a 99-year sentence for her role. Schilmiller, the alleged remote instigator, also pleaded guilty to soliciting murder and was sentenced to 99 years. Another defendant, Caleb Leyland, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and received a 30-year sentence. Two additional suspects were prosecuted as juveniles.
Hoffman’s father, Timothy Hoffman, had publicly said his daughter lived with developmental disabilities and considered Brehmer a friend. In a tragic postscript, Timothy Hoffman died in June 2024 after losing control of his motorcycle during a memorial ride marking the fifth anniversary of his daughter's death, Alaska State Troopers reported.
Case significance
The case attracted national attention because of the alleged online solicitation, the young ages of some participants, and the particularly brutal circumstances of the crime. Sentences handed down to multiple defendants reflect the severity of the offense and the coordinated nature of the plot.