Katherine E. Hoffman was sentenced to three years probation after withdrawing a not guilty plea on March 11 and taking a guilty plea for two criminal counts, including an amended charge of first-degree assault under extreme emotional disturbance and endangering the welfare of a minor.
Hoffman’s previous charges of adult kidnapping and criminal intent to commit murder were dismissed.
Court records reveal evidence that corroborate Hoffman’s claims that she was physically abused by Omari McFarlane before the Sept. 23 shooting, in which Hoffman shot McFarlane while he was asleep, forced him inside a vehicle, drove away and parked the vehicle on a country road, and then shot McFarlane another time while inside the vehicle.
Hoffman, 34, entered into a plea agreement that stated, if probated, she would continue with any drug and/or alcohol treatment recommended to her by counseling providers. The Commonwealth did not oppose the probation sentencing.
A sentencing memorandum shows that, during this case, Hoffman was evaluated by Virginia Bennett, a licensed clinical social worker, in regard to drug and alcohol dependency issues. Bennett determined that Hoffman met criteria for PTSD as a result of long-term verbal and physical abuse at the hands of McFarlane, recommending Hoffman receive therapeutic services and complete psychoeducational classes at OASIS focused on domestic violence, which Hoffman has since completed.
“Hoffman has strong family support,” the document reads. “She also has a network of friends who intend to assist her on her path as she moves forward in life. Several of those friends have observed the evidence of the long-term abuse experienced by Ms. Hoffman at the hands of Omari McFarlane.”
“Extensive evidence” pointing to Hoffman’s physical abuse by McFarlane was uncovered by Owensboro Police Department Detective Joshua Alsip. Aside from descriptions and statements from Hoffman, OPD reviewed photos of Hoffman, as well as phone records and journal entries prepared by Hoffman, all of which provided proof of domestic abuse by McFarlane.
“The results of a separate investigation conducted by the Department for Community Based Services further established that McFarlane had committed acts of domestic violence toward both his children and Ms. Hoffman,” the document reads.
Text messages McFarlane had written demonstrated a pattern of controlling behavior and OPD detectives discovered numerous instances where McFarlane demeaned or threatened Hoffman.
The date of the last photograph revealing evidence of Hoffman’s physical abuse was taken on Sept. 23, 2018 — the same date of the shooting.
“Ms. Hoffman has accepted responsibility for her actions in this case. Given the opportunity, she would certainly choose a different path,” the document states. “However, as is the case with many domestic violence victims, she felt trapped in a relationship. She suffered abuse at the hands of a person who claimed to love her. Over the course of their relationship, the frequency and severity of the abuse intensified. She made the wrong choice. However, she acted in the interest of her own safety, and the safety of her children.”
