'L.K.' sentenced for May murder

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - A Dayton woman was sentenced to 43 years to life in prison Wednesday in connection with a May 2012 fatal shooting on Genesse Avenue.

A jury found Linda Rocia Kay, 23, guilty of murder in a January 2013 hearing. She was arrested in June on homicide charges, months after police announced they were looking for her .

Robert Munday, 34, was shot and killed during what police described as an apparent robbery on May 21.

Investigators said witnesses spotted Kay leaving the home on Genesse Avenue immediately after the shooting happened and claimed she waited in the car for Mitchell Gray Jr., 21, to also come out of the house before driving away.

Gray was also arrested and charged with murder.  In January 2013, he entered a not guilty plea in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court, and remains in jail on a $1-million bond. 

On Wednesday, a judge sentenced Kay to 15 years to life for murder, 11 years for aggravated burglary, 11 years for aggravated robbery, 3 years for tampering with evidence, as well as an additional 3 years under a firearm specification. 

Prior to her sentencing, the victim's sister addressed the court.  She talked about the impact Munday's death has had on her family, particularly his three children, ages 14, 13, and 11.

"He will never be able to walk his daughters down the isle on their wedding day," said Tayawna Mason.  "And we all know the importance of a son having his father in his life."

Kay also addressed the court prior to sentencing.  She began by apologizing, but tearfully maintained her innocence. 

"He (Robert) was my friend," said Kay.  "I would trade places with "Den" because I would rather live 34 years than be convicted of a crime that I did not do.  I am not who that piece of paper says I am."

But the judge refuted her comments with evidence against her (Kay). 

"Mr. Munday was not your friend or if he was your friend at some point in time you chose greed, getting money, getting back at him or whatever over that friendship," said Judge Barbara Gorman.

Following court, Kay's family vowed they would appeal the decision; however, Munday's family said they were satisfied with the end result.