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SALT LAKE CITY — An apologetic Magna man was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison Thursday for killing an ex-girlfriend, who was also an elementary school teacher, in August 2008.
Charles Richard Gunkel, 55, pleaded guilty to the aggravated murder of then 51-year-old Morena Molly Robbins, in exchange for the dropping of other charges, including aggravated burglary and aggravated assault. He's been in jail ever since, according to court documents.
"After three years, I am still overwhelmed with feelings of guilt and remorse," Gunkel told the court. "These feelings will never diminish. I will never forgive myself."
The two had recently broken up when Gunkel heard Robbins was planning to wed another man. He showed up uninvited to her house, forced his way past the woman's then 14-year-old daughter and attacked Robbins — first pinning her to the floor, choking her, and then stabbing her multiple times, according to prosecuting attorney Jennifer Valencia.
"The family would prefer that he never receive parole," Valencia told the judge. "There is no possibility they'll have visits with their mother. There is no chance for a reunion as there may be with Mr. Gunkel and his family. She was there one day and gone the next."
Robbins' family was present in the courtroom Thursday, but "they are not able to speak about the case," Valencia said.
Robbins had five children at the time of her death, only one was home at the time of the crime. Gunkel, who had been involved in a relationship with Robbins through the course of five years, had asked the girl to call 911 at the time.
Valencia said the girl, who is now 17, has been traumatized from the incident and is undergoing counseling. The family, she said, plans to address the Board of Pardons each time Gunkel comes up for a parole hearing.
"I am sorry for the irreversible pain and suffering I have caused," Gunkel said, adding that his family has also been a victim in the case.
Valencia said the circumstances are hardly comparable.
"This hurts my heart," said 3rd District Court Judge William Barrett, who delivered the sentence Thursday. He said that while such cases are not common, they always "bring a tear to my eye … it is a tragedy, unfortunate and sad."
Email:wleonard@ksl.com
