In Loving Memory of Jonathan Howard Kamp
(1979-2007)
Offender Data= Leonard F. Williams
Leonard F. Williams, 43, of Rochester, was arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated and leaving the scene of a fatal accident. The accident occurred in Kosciusko County on Friday, Nov. 30, 2007.
A Warsaw man died in an accident late Friday night, and the driver of the other vehicle involved was booked into jail after he allegedly drove drunk and left the scene of the accident, according to the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department.
Jonathan Kamp, 28, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. A passenger in his 1996 Chevy truck, Richard Shoemaker, 31, of Akron, Ind., was treated at Kosciusko Community Hospital for injuries that weren’t life threatening, police reported.
Kamp was driving south through the intersection when his vehicle was struck by a westbound 1998 Chevy Blazer, driven by Leonard F. Williams, 43, of Rochester, police said. Williams was arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated and leaving the scene of a fatal accident, police said. Police also said bond had been set at $25,000.
Police were called to the scene about 11:30 p.m.
A front-seat passenger in Williams’ Blazer, 20-year-old Michael Nelson of Silver Lake, was critically injured and taken to Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne for treatment, police reported. Also injured were A.J. Hackworth, 21, of Claypool, and Anthony Blankenship, 19, of Silver Lake; both were sent to Kosciusko Community Hospital.
Thursday, Feb 28 at 8:35 PM Aunt Pam wrote ...
It's been almost three months now and we are all still in shock and are grieving deeply for Jonathan. I am so greatful to have had him in my life and our family's life. We are and will continue to be better people for having known you. Leonard, I hope you rot in hell for taking him from all of us.
Thursday, Feb 28 at 11:37 AM Josh(the crazy one) wrote ...
I know that all things happen because God allows them to.When it's your time it's your time.But that doesn't make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.I know that if you'd made it,you would have forgiven that guy.That's who you were man,one patient and understanding individual.I try to forgive knowing that GOD IS JUST and we should not judge,but it doesn't seem that easy.I haven't had many friends in my life,who excepted me regardless of who I was that day.You did,and I am so grateful. Thanks Jon.
Wednesday, Dec 12 at 10:13 PM kara wrote ...
Jonny, Frankie said it best you were a social butterfly, but a simple man as someone else mentioned at your funeral. I love you so much and can't believe you are gone. You will live in my memories until we meet again in Heaven. I'll miss your smile
Monday, Dec 10 at 8:11 AM anonymous wrote ...
The whole williams family is nothing but trouble!!
Friday, Dec 7 at 9:26 PM K.Bradley wrote ...
I never know Jon , but my daugther went to school went him.My prayers goes out to the family.I so sorry for your lost.
Friday, Dec 7 at 8:31 AM Shane, Tammy, Morgan, Madison Conliff wrote ...
Jon you will be missed by all your friends and family. You touched so many peoples lives and we cant wait to see you again on the other side of the gate.
Wednesday, Dec 5 at 9:52 PM Lanae wrote ...
Leroy, as Weavers knew you best..We will never forget you, and how you always portrayed yourself as a brother to Lashell and I. Even though you broke our trampoline we still always adored being with you! This man will pay for what he took from us.
Wednesday, Dec 5 at 1:05 PM aunt candi wrote ...
Johnny, I miss your kindness, helpfulness, and generosity toward your family and others. I love you honey with all my heart.
Wednesday, Dec 5 at 12:47 PM aunt candi wrote ...
You loved being with people and animals. You loved the country and hunting. You sure were ornery at times but you always listened to me. Remember the good times we had white water rafting, south padre island,and camping. I miss your smiles and hugs.
Tuesday, Dec 4 at 3:49 PM Korby wrote ...
This was the last thing anyone could expect...He was an awsome person that no one will forget. May he rest in peace
Tuesday, Dec 4 at 11:38 AM this person wrote ...
i heard that one of the other passangers passed away in the ft wayne hospital last night
Monday, Dec 3 at 6:38 PM Jon's sis Jennifer wrote ...
Well this is really sad that my brother had to leave this way and at such a young age. We had so many great times together. One of the things I enjoyed the most was TRIMMING his burly hair and beard not CUTTING. He loved it.I miss you Jonny Popper
Monday, Dec 3 at 5:53 PM Josh Kamp wrote ...
Jon you were one of the greatest brothers that someone could have and I have many great memories that we shared together. You will be greatly missed and I cant wait to see you again someday. Its sad you had to leave us the way you did. I hope he pays
Monday, Dec 3 at 5:44 PM Frank (jons brother) wrote ...
A good brother and a best friend was lost. Jon was a social butterfly he knew everyone everywhere he went.He was the one that took me hunting for the first time he alwas told me not to shoot the first thing i saw. he wil;l be greatly missed.
Monday, Dec 3 at 5:39 PM john kamp (jons brother) wrote ...
Jon I will miss you. I hope the drunk enjoyed his last thrill of being high and drunk, because prison or the chair are not going to give you that, you DRUNK!!!!
Monday, Dec 3 at 3:42 PM this person wrote ...
i belive this guy was arrested a year ago for attempted murder for stabing his brother
Monday, Dec 3 at 11:30 AM jane:johns sis wrote ...
we are all still shocked of what happened we all loved john and he is in our prayers. I love you john. :(
Monday, Dec 3 at 10:52 AM his little sister wrote ...
he is in our prayers and we still can't believe what happened
Sunday, Dec 2 at 8:51 PM Brat wrote ...
Jonny was my cute little cousin,that will be loved and sadly missed.May God be with our family. I hope that the drunk gets a long time punishment!!!!!!!!!
Sunday, Dec 2 at 7:22 PM Brook Conley wrote ...
U will be missed Jon especially that scruffy cute face u had and that ever warm smile. Prayers for the whole family Love Brook
Sunday, Dec 2 at 8:49 AM Anonymous wrote ...
just think,everytime you get into a vehicle,you will be on the same road as a drunk driver (or drugged!)what do you think they serve at bars, clubs and resturants? And don't say "it will never happen to me" Everyone suffers from things like this.
Saturday, Dec 1 at 11:42 PM slitterman wrote ...
Jonathan was a great friend. Thanks to a drunk driver I and his other friends will not get to see his smile when we run into him at various places. Maybe if the drunk spends a lifetime sitting in a cell he may someday regret the decision he made.
Saturday, Dec 1 at 10:58 PM Charles wrote ...
I worked with him a great young man,i hope the person who did this gets the chair.
Saturday, Dec 1 at 10:02 PM daniel easterday wrote ...
I will miss you too JOHN ! ole high school buds.
Saturday, Dec 1 at 9:35 PM Ashley wrote ...
Jon, aka Popper, was my cousin. I'm never going to see him again b/c of a drunk driver. I hope this man never sees the light of day again. He took away a man who brought smiles and laughter to everyone he met. RIP Popper...I love you.
Saturday, Dec 1 at 9:08 PM Your family wrote ...
We will miss you, Johnny!! God rest your soul.
Saturday, Dec 1 at 8:27 PM this person wrote ...
a man that died right here at my intersection were there needs to be a stop light or a 4-way stop because there is kids in this town becasue we never know when a stupid drunk will drive down the road and kill someone
Saturday, Dec 1 at 8:15 PM carol wrote ...
i hope this drunk driver rots in prision.. it's drunks that always live and innocent people to die...
Saturday, Dec 1 at 7:21 PM missygurl wrote ...
Its never the drunk, that gets killed it seems..drinking and driving hurts not only the one who died or killed but the FAMILY too!
Sentencing 9/03/2008
Williams Sentenced In DUI Fatal Crash
Daniel Riordan
Times-Union Staff Writer (9-4-2008)
Johnathan Kamp was moving into his first home when he made a fateful decision.
Rather than wait until the next morning, he decided to move one final trailer load of his things from Warsaw to Akron around 11:30 p.m. Nov 30.
Kamp was driving his truck through the intersection of CRs 1000W and 700S in Sevastapool. Another vehicle ignored a stop sign and struck Kamp's vehicle, taking the 28-year-old's life.
The man responsible for taking Kamp's life, Leonard F. Williams, 44, of Rochester, was sentenced in Kosciusko County Superior Court III Wednesday morning.
Williams was sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated causing death.
Before Williams was sentenced, Kamp's mother, Christine Jones, took the stand to talk about the impact of losing her son.
"We have been devastated," said Jones. "I think about him every day of my life."
Jones said she considered suicide after the death of Kamp.
Candace Jones, Kamp's aunt, and John Kamp, Kamp's brother, also took the stand to talk about the impact of Kamp's death.
In defense of Williams, Jeanette Cooper, Williams' sister, said her brother was a good man.
Williams took the stand and stated he started drinking at a young age, but stopped for 17 years after becoming a born-again Christian. Williams said he started drinking again in 2004 after his marriage fell apart.
"I'm deeply sorry for the pain I caused," said Williams.
Williams was arrested in 2006 for drunk driving and was arrested in Pulaski County for getting into a bar fight with his brother.
Williams' defense attorney, John D. Barrett, argued that emotion shouldn't factor into Williams' sentence and that a letter Williams wrote to a pastor in Mississippi showed Williams was truly remorseful.
In sentencing Williams, Judge Joe Sutton said that since Williams left the scene of the accident that outweighed any remorse he may have felt.
"You left people to die," said Sutton.
Williams was sentenced to 18 years for the death of Kamp and 7 years for injuries caused to four others involved in the wreck.
Michael Nelson, 21, Silver Lake, was a passenger in Williams' vehicle and suffered extensive injuries. A.J. Hackworth, 22, Claypool, and Anthony Blankenship, 19, SIlver Lake, both passengers in Williams' vehicle, also suffered injuries. Richard Shoemaker, 32, Akron, was a passenger in Kamp's truck and suffered injuries as well.
"I think he could have received a bit more," said Jones, who wore a t-shirt with Kamp's photo on it.
The t-shirt said "Remembering My Only Son Johnathan. 4-05-79-11-30-07."
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Monday, Mar 3 at 9:27 PM Jalen Kane wrote ...
Jon is my best friend. So is his whole family. I love you Jonny.