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Boise Mass Stabbing Suspect Pleads Guilty To Killing Child, Injuring Several Others

James Dawson
/
Boise State Public Radio

The man accused ofslashing his way through a child’s birthday party and killing a three-year-old in 2018 has pleaded guilty to a dozen crimes, including first-degree murder.

It’s been nearly three years since prosecutors say Timmy Kinner arrived at an apartment on Wylie Lane in Boise, armed with a knife.

Authorities say Kinner, who had recently been homeless andhad a long and violent criminal history, was kicked out of the complex earlier that day in June 2018 by someone who was letting him temporarily stay there.

When he returned, police say he interrupted 3-year-old Ruya Kadir’s birthday party, slashing through kids and adults alike – all of them refugees. Kadir later died of her injuries.

Five other children and three adults were hospitalized after the mass stabbing, several with life-threatening injuries.

Hundreds of people wore pink and purple – her favorite colors – to Kadir’s funeral a few days later to mourn the girl whose name, Ruya, meant “dream” in Turkish.

The attack, considered one of the most shocking crimes in Boise’s history,left the city’s refugee community with a lingering pain and anxiety that was slow to heal.

Kinner pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of first-degree murder, eight counts of aggravated battery, two counts of aggravated assault and one count of possession of a deadly weapon. He had originally pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Kinner’s mental health had been in question until 2019 when he was deemed fit to stand trial. It had been scheduled for September.

Ada County prosecutors were seeking the death penalty in the case.

Kinner’s sentencing is scheduled for June 10.

Idaho District Court Judge Nancy Baskin issued a gag order in the case in April 2019, forbidding anyone involved from discussing the matter. The order is still in effect.

 Follow James Dawson on Twitter @RadioDawson for more local news.

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I cover politics and a bit of everything else for Boise State Public Radio. Outside of public meetings, you can find me fly fishing, making cool things out of leather or watching the Seattle Mariners' latest rebuilding season. If you have a tip, please get in touch!

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