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By
Claire Schreiber
- March 17, 2025
Court
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Daily Stories
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Shooting
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Suspects
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Homicide defendant George Kuhn, 46, was sentenced on March 14 to seven years in prison in front of Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge Martin P. Welch.
Kuhn was charged in connection with the June 12, 2022 shooting of his fiancée, 36-year-old Kristy Helmert. The charges included first-degree murder, firearm use in a felony violent crime, and firearm possession with felony conviction.
Kuhn was found not guilty for first-degree murder, no verdict was found for firearm use in a felony violent crime, and a guilty verdict for firearm possession with felony conviction.
Kuhn’s total sentence includes 15 years with all but seven years suspended. He must serve five years on supervised probation and abide by a list of conditions, including attending work or school regularly, paying all fines and costs, getting permission before owning a dangerous weapon, and register as a gun offender.
During victim impact statements, Helmert’s family members spoke about the loss of a loving mother, daughter, and sister. Kristy was described as being such a positive person who touched all of their lives.
“My sister was light like no other,” her sister remarked. “A light that could find a spark in the darkness, a light with such potential to grow.”
Her daughter expressed how her mother was someone who could never be replaced. “I lost my best friend, my everything that night,” she said. Kuhn was seen crying as she spoke.
The prosecution acknowledged the jury’s verdict, but urged Judge Welch to impose the maximum penalty. He stated how Kuhn’s possession of a firearm that night led to a life being taken.
Defense attorney, Derrick Hamlin, played a recorded jail call between Kuhn and his sister. She told him it was stupid to have that gun, to which Kuhn responded, “I don’t even know how I got the gun Kris; probably had it.”
Hamlin claimed Kuhn had guns in West Virginia but not in Maryland until he met Helmert. He claimed that Helmert had gone through many traumas in her life to which she felt the need to carry a gun. Kuhn, according to Hamlin, disliked having guns in the house or around their kids. He wanted to know where it was at all times, he even bought a gun safe for her.
“Ninety-two percent of America is safer than where they lived,” Hamlin said. “There is alot of guns, alot of crime, alot of violence.”
Hamlin emphasized that beyond Kuhn’s children the most impactful thing he lost was the love of his life.
“He swears he will never go near a gun again, or wants to see one,” Hamlin stated.
“I know you are looking at me like this is a win, this is not a win for any of us,” Kuhn said.
“Everyone here lost a beautiful woman, a very intelligent woman. My kids lost a mother too.”
He then turned to Helmert’s daughter. “I hope after all this I could still be the father you always wanted me to be. I’m sorry I couldn’t do more,” he said.
Judge Welch reflected on the complexity of this case, calling it very different than any case he has presided over during his 33 years.
“What is clear here is that Kristy was a very special person,” he said. “I’m sure her legacy will live on through her daughter, sister, and parents.”