Man gets 30 years in prison for beating wife to death on cruise in Alaska

A Utah man on Thursday was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison over the 2017 murder of his wife, according to the Alaska U.S. District Attorney’s Office.

The couple, Kristy Manzanares and Kenneth Manzanares, were aboard the Emerald Princess cruise ship outside of Alaska at the time of the incident.

The two got into an argument after Kristy told Kenneth she wanted a divorce. Kenneth Manzanares then reportedly beat his wife to death in the cabin.

Court documents note that Kenneth Manzanares told his two children to leave the cabin and go to an adjoining relatives’ during the altercation. Shortly after relocating, the children heard Kristy Manzanares screaming, and then witnessed Kenneth Manzanares straddling his wife and “striking her in the head with closed fists.”

Kristy Manzanares’s two brothers and father, who were also aboard the ship, saw Kenneth Manzanares grab and drag her body toward the balcony. One of the brothers intervened and managed to stop him.

Kenneth Mazanares pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree murder in February 2020. He was facing a maximum sentence of life in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, or both, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

In addition to the prison sentence, Kenneth Manzanares will receive five years of supervised release. 

“This was not a random act of violence but a chilling neglect for human life for which he will serve 30 years in federal prison, where there is no parole ever,” said acting U.S. Attorney Bryan Wilson of the District of Alaska.  

He added, “While today’s sentence will not bring Kristy back to her family and friends, we hope it provides a sense of justice for this heinous crime and brings some closure to those who knew and cared about her.”