In February, a Pizza Hut employee in South Milwaukee made a disturbing discovery when a body was found stuffed in a dumpster behind the restaurant. The victim, 55-year-old Alex Stengel, had been a loyal employee at the South Milwaukee Pizza Hut for 33 years. Stengel’s life came to a brutal end at the hands of his 31-year-old coworker, Kevin Ingram, who ultimately pleaded guilty to killing Stengel. Today, a judge delivered Ingram’s sentence in a court case that has left the Milwaukee community shaken.
The Crime and Arrest
The incident began with a violent altercation inside the Pizza Hut restaurant. According to investigators, Ingram and Stengel, who both worked at the location, became embroiled in a heated dispute that turned fatal. Ingram then stabbed, slashed, and beat Stengel before delivering a final gunshot to the head. After the attack, Ingram attempted to hide his crime by stuffing Stengel’s body into a large 55-gallon garbage can, which he dragged outside to the dumpster area behind the restaurant.
Days later, a garbage collector discovered the decomposing body in the trash, igniting a police investigation that swiftly led to Ingram’s arrest. Upon his capture, authorities suggested a possible motive: Ingram allegedly planned to rob Stengel, who had recently received an inheritance. However, Ingram continued to maintain that he acted in self-defense, a claim he reiterated even after pleading guilty.
A Family’s Heartbreak
During Ingram’s sentencing, Stengel’s grieving family had the opportunity to address the court, sharing their pain and devastation over the loss of a beloved relative. Stengel’s family described him as a guiding light and expressed disbelief at the viciousness of his death. His family members recounted the bond they shared with Stengel and how his presence had positively impacted their lives for years. They expressed anger and sorrow over the loss of a man who was known for his kindness and dedication, both at work and with his loved ones.
In their statements, the family members questioned whether Stengel had any chance to defend himself during the attack and implored the court to hold Ingram accountable for his actions. Their words emphasized their desire for justice and their hope that Ingram’s sentence would reflect the severity of his crime.
The Defendant’s Plea for Self-Defense
Throughout the trial, Ingram claimed that he had killed Stengel in self-defense. He argued that Stengel had initiated the physical altercation, forcing him to defend himself. According to Ingram, the conflict only turned violent after Stengel made a move that threatened his safety. In his statement to the court, Ingram insisted that he had not intended for the confrontation to escalate to such a deadly level and expressed remorse over the outcome.
However, the judge and other court officials found Ingram’s self-defense claim unconvincing. The judge pointed to Stengel’s lengthy, unblemished record at Pizza Hut, emphasizing his positive reputation among coworkers and customers alike. She also underscored the brutality of the crime, suggesting that Ingram’s actions appeared more calculated than reactive. In the end, the judge concluded that the killing was a cold-blooded execution rather than a defensive act.
The Sentencing
After listening to both the family’s statements and Ingram’s plea, the judge delivered a harsh sentence. She sentenced Ingram to 45 years in prison, a term that reflects the gravity of the crime and the significant impact on Stengel’s family and the community. While the judge acknowledged Ingram’s decision to plead guilty, which spared the family the additional trauma of a trial, she emphasized that his actions warranted a severe punishment. The sentence aims to bring a measure of closure to Stengel’s family and serves as a statement against such violence.
Ingram’s conviction and sentencing mark the end of a tragic chapter for the South Milwaukee community, but the impact of Stengel’s loss remains profound. Family members and friends continue to mourn a life taken too soon, remembering Stengel as a dedicated worker and cherished family member. As for Ingram, the lengthy prison sentence will ensure that he faces the consequences of his actions for many years to come. The case stands as a stark reminder of the violence that can arise from interpersonal conflicts and the devastating consequences it leaves in its wake.