Van Winkle, 31, pleaded guilty to 14 counts of murder in the first degree, six counts of sexual assault, two counts of child abuse resulting in death, two counts of second-degree kidnapping, and one count each of assault in the first degree, sexual assault on a child, sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust, sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust pattern of abuse and unlawful sexual contact. All are felony charges.
Additionally, Van Winkle admitted a guilty plea to the sentence enhancers of one count of habitual sexual offender against children and six counts of crime of violence, four of which are violent crime sex offense, one is violent crime used deadly weapon and one is violent crime cause death.
Prior to ruling on his decision to not reject the plea agreement, Judge Thorson heard from four family members of the victims who addressed the court. Three of them disagree with the terms of the plea agreement and stated that Van Winkle "shows no remorse."
