Rapist gets 8 years for 2010 death

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) -- The man who pleaded guilty in January to involuntary manslaughter after police said he raped and killed a woman just days after getting out of jail, was sentenced to eight years behind bars Thursday.

Edward Kinslow was originally charged with murder, felony murder, and rape.  The coroner said that Kinslow’s long time acquaintance, Darlene Day died from blunt force trauma to the head.

As part of a plea deal, Kinslow pleaded guilty to the involuntary manslaughter of Day.  Allen County Prosecutor Steve Godfrey said DNA of several other people was found as part of the crime scene.  Godfrey also said Day's autopsy showed a large amount of cocaine in her system. 

Since there weren't any witnesses, Godfrey said the prosecution wouldn't be able to prove cocaine did not cause Day's death.  So they settled for a guilty plea of involuntary manslaughter.

Kinslow has an extensive criminal background.  He was released from prison May 9, 2010 for a previous rape in July of 2002, just nine days before police said he raped and killed Day. Kinslow was scheduled to be released in August of 2010, but got out on parole early.

According to the Indiana Department of Corrections, Kinslow was originally released from prison August 7, 2009. But he was sent back because of a parole violation.

Day's family was outraged with the sentence.

"This is how he pays us back for all the good and the things we've done for him," said Larry Morgan, who says he's Day's husband.  "We helped him out when he got out of prison, helped him out by giving him a place to stay...and justice has not been served."

Eight years is the maximum sentence for involuntary manslaughter.  Kinslow must also pay more than $3,000 in restitution.