Latunski convicted of first-degree murder in 2019 mutilation case

LANSING, Mich. (WILX) - A Shiawassee County Court judge has convicted Mark David Latunski of first-degree murder in the 2019 death of Kevin Bacon. In Michigan, a first-degree murder charge carries a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The sentencing hearing to determine whether Latunski should spend the rest of his life in prison without parole entered day two on Wednesday. Latunski pleaded guilty in September to one count of homicide open murder, and one count of disinterment and mutilation of a dead body during a plea hearing.

After three long years, Bacon’s family finally got the verdict they were praying for.

“It’s something we’ve been praying for if you want to pray for that kind of thing.” said Karl Bacon, Kevin’s father. “So it’s in our best interest to see him in prison forever.”

The family said it’s been a long road and they’re happy to be one step closer to the end of it.

Read: Kevin Bacon’s father reacts to cannibal killer’s guilty plea

On Tuesday, Latunski was in court as testimony was heard to determine whether he would be sentenced on a charge of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, or manslaughter.

In December 2019, Bacon met Latunski through a dating app. Bacon’s parents reported him missing when he didn’t show up to a family gathering on Christmas morning. On Dec. 28, he was found dead in the basement of Latunski’s Bennington Township home.

When police discovered Bacon’s body, Latunski admitted that he had killed him by stabbing him in the back and slitting his throat. He said he then ate part of his body.

The defense argued that the murder was not premeditated pointing out that Latunski asked Bacon if he had any health issues before they met in person. Latunski also welcomed police into his home when they arrived to question him on Bacon’s disappearance.

“We knew that we had an uphill battle just because of the statements that Mr. Latunski had made in his interrogation as well as some of the other evidence that the government had.” said Mary Chartier, Latunski’s attorney.

The judge didn’t buy it.

“Kevin Bacon’s death was Mark Latunski’s design,” said Judge Matthew Stewart.

He also said the murder was cold and calculated.

During the Judge’s closing statement, he called attention to the fact that Bacon messaged Latunski prior to meeting asking “You are going to keep me safe, right?”

After numerous psychological evaluations, Latunski had been found mentally competent to stand trial. He is set to be sentenced on December 15.

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