Criminal responsibility of accomplice in Hoffman murder case is discussed; judge imposes 40 years in prison

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – On Friday, Caleb Leyland was sentenced to 40 years in prison with 10 years probation for his role in the murder of Cynthia Hoffman, who was killed near Thunderbird Falls in June 2019.

Leyland pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in November 2023 after prosecutors said he helped plan Hoffman's kidnapping and murder along with Kayden McIntosh and Denali Brehmer.

“He provided that assistance, and he provided that assistance knowing what was going to happen,” said District Attorney Patrick McKay. “The court has already determined that this was a premeditated murder for hire.”

The verdict came after the Alaskan trio fell victim to an online scam by an Indiana man named Darin Schilmiller, who offered the group money to commit a murder.

According to the state, Leyland was offered $500,000 for his role in the murder.

“Mr Leyland should get money,” said McKay. “He provided the vehicle, he made it possible for Mr McIntosh and Ms Bremer to actually implement their plans.”

The defense pleaded for Leyland on Friday, asking the judge to consider Leyland's age at the time of the murder and to give him opportunities for rehabilitation. The defense asked for 35 years in prison, including 10 years probation.

“I think he lent out his cars because … Ms Brehmer is his friend, he has known her for ages, he has lent her the car before and so in his mind it was again rash,” said Dina Cale, Leyland's defense attorney.

Judge Andrew Peterson reiterated his verdict on Friday, telling the court that he had taken into account Leyland's youth at the time of the crime and his chances of rehabilitation.

The sentence was far less than the Hoffman family's wishes. Family members on Friday called on Peterson to sentence Leyland to 75 years in prison.

“We heard yesterday that he has some hopes and dreams for his future,” said Samantha Hoffman, Cynthia's big sister, “but did it ever occur to him and everyone else that maybe my sister has some hopes and dreams of her own?”

Cynthia's uncles Donald and Robert also testified and demanded justice, just as her late brother Tim had done.

“My niece was killed, her father followed her five years later, the same day, and left his bike,” Robert said. “He's with her now, but he died of a broken heart. We're here to get through this. This is a tragedy.”

“No matter what role you play in a crime, you bear the same responsibility as the person who committed the crime.”

Leyland also spoke in court on Friday.

“I can't go back in time and I can't change things in the past,” Leyland said. “But I really wish I could, then none of this would have happened.”

With regard to the Hoffman family, Leyland ended his statement with a request for forgiveness.

Both Brehmer and Schilmiller were sentenced to 99 years. McIntosh is scheduled to be sentenced in November. The state said he could get between 30 and 85 years.

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