Man gets 15 years in mallet attack of teen at Centerville park

Credit: Montgomery County Jail

Credit: Montgomery County Jail

Prosecutors told Judge Richard Skelton ahead of the sentencing that Hansen is a “monster” and should be sentenced to the maximum punishment of 15 years in prison. He faced between 12 and 15 years in prison after previously pleading guilty to felonious assault, kidnapping and tampering with evidence charges.

“These charges stem from the outrageous conduct of the defendant on September 24, 2020,” prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memorandum filed with the court. “On that date, a 17-year-old female was taking a walk at Iron Horse Park in Centerville when she was brutally attacked by the defendant in broad daylight.

“The minor, a mere 5 feet tall and 105 lbs., had stopped to take pictures of scenery when the defendant, 6 feet 3 inches tall, 350 lbs., came up from behind her and repeatedly struck her on her head with a mallet. The victim fell to the ground, as the defendant continued to strike her with the mallet,” prosecutors said.

The state said that the victim screamed for help and a neighbor who was outside heard her.

“This neighbor walked toward the sound of the screams and observed the defendant striking the victim with the mallet,” prosecutors wrote. “The neighbor yelled at the defendant to stop, the defendant struck the victim one more time, then turned and walked away. The victim sustained numerous large gashes to her head; she was covered in blood when police and medics responded. The victim was transported to the hospital and received over 90 stitches for the large lacerations to her head.”

Prosecutors wrote that once authorities arrested Hansen, he told them that he planned to inflict pain on the victim for his own sexual gratification.

“His behavior is terrifying; he is nothing short of a monster,” the prosecutors said in the court document. “And, the defendant made it clear that no one is safe from his actions. He is willing to prey upon a complete stranger, a minor, in a park, in the middle of the day. The only way to ensure that he will not victimize another person is to sentence him to a very lengthy term of incarceration.”

The 17-year-old called the attack a “disgusting act of violence” in a victim impact statement which was read by her mother in court.

“I can go on and on about what you took from me, but most importantly you took my freedom and independence. Since that day, so many things have changed. I no longer wander through life as a carefree teenager. I now question everything I do and everyone I see.”

She said the trauma of the attack still affects her and she still has flashbacks and the memory of the attack and said she is still working to return to a normal life.

She also said that she hoped Hansen gets the help he needs, but asked the judge to sentence him to the maximum to protect others from future crimes.

The teen also acknowledged her supporters, who filled the courtroom so much that the judge opened up the jury box for seating.

“What you see today is the love and support. I am surrounded by the greatest network of family and friends that anyone could ask for. These people would literally do anything for me. They are the reason I continue to fight my battles today and they are the reason that one day I will defeat these battles,” the teen wrote in the statement.

In their own sentencing memorandum, Defense attorney Michael Booher asked the court to sentence Hansen to 12 years in prison. He said that the attack was a “profoundly serious offense which the defendant now recognizes.”

“He made the conscious decision to enter guilty pleas, in part to save the victim from the ordeal of a trial,” the defense sentencing memorandum says.

It also says that Hansen has no criminal record, had a difficult childhood with abusive guardians and suffers from a mood disorder that can become extreme at times.

During the sentencing hearing, Hansen apologized to the victim, cited his mental health issues and said “I am willing to accept any sentence the court imposes on me.”