On a warm August evening in 1997, the quiet desert town of Lancaster, California, was shattered by an act of unimaginable violence. Ricky Cowles Jr., a 21-year-old electrician with a bright future, was found brutally murdered in his apartment. His girlfriend, 16-year-old Amy Lynn Preasmyer, and her friend made the grim discovery, but little did anyone know that this horrific crime would unveil a dark web of betrayal and manipulation that would take years to fully unravel.
This case, filled with chilling twists and disturbing motives, is a haunting reminder of how those closest to us can sometimes pose the greatest threat.
A Young Life Full of Promise
Ricky Cowles Jr. was known as a hard-working and kind-hearted young man. As a trained electrician, he was dedicated to building a stable future for himself and his loved ones. His relationship with Amy Lynn Preasmyer seemed like a pivotal step in his life, especially with the impending arrival of their child. Despite their age difference, Ricky took his responsibilities seriously, determined to provide a loving home for his young family.
But behind closed doors, Ricky and Amy’s relationship was far from idyllic. Amy, just 16, struggled with the reality of becoming a mother. While Ricky embraced the responsibilities of adulthood, Amy longed to continue her carefree, party-filled lifestyle. Her resentment grew, and with it, her perception of Ricky as an obstacle to her freedom.
What began as youthful romance quickly spiraled into something far darker—a situation that would ultimately lead to Ricky’s untimely death.
The Night That Changed Everything
On the evening of August 12, 1997, Ricky’s life came to a violent and abrupt end. He was found in his apartment, beaten with a hammer and shot in the head. The scene was gruesome, yet curiously, there were no signs of forced entry. This suggested that Ricky’s killer was someone he knew and trusted—a fact that sent shockwaves through those who loved him.
Investigators worked tirelessly, but the case initially yielded few leads. The lack of an obvious suspect or clear motive left Ricky’s family devastated and desperate for answers. However, as months passed, an unexpected tip would shed light on a shocking conspiracy that no one could have anticipated.
A Sinister Plot Emerges
In April 1998, police arrested William “Billy” Hoffman, a childhood friend of Amy’s. What began as a tenuous connection quickly unraveled into a horrifying story of manipulation and murder for hire.
Hoffman confessed that he had been approached by Amy, who offered him money to kill Ricky. Her motive? She saw Ricky and their impending child as the chains holding her back from the life she wanted. Hoffman, lured by the promise of financial reward and possibly influenced by Amy’s charisma, agreed to the plan.
The details of their plot were chilling. Hoffman acquired a gun from a friend and practiced shooting it in the desert. In a macabre twist, he and his accomplices even experimented with using potatoes as silencers, though their attempts failed. On the night of the murder, Hoffman entered Ricky’s apartment and waited but said he got tired and was going to walk home so he left. On his way home he saw the girls and they pressured him to go back to the apartment and finish the job so he went back and executed the plan.
For months, the case seemed closed with Hoffman’s conviction in 1999, sentencing him to life in prison without parole. But the full story was far from over.
The Mastermind Revealed
In 2002, Billy Hoffman had a change of heart. From his prison cell, he penned a letter to Ricky’s grieving family, confessing the true extent of his involvement and revealing Amy Lynn Preasmyer as the mastermind behind the murder.
The confession sent shockwaves through the community and reopened the investigation. In 2005, Amy and her friend Jennifer Kellogg were arrested. Kellogg had played a supporting role in the conspiracy, aware of the plot but doing nothing to stop it.
Amy’s trial revealed a chilling portrait of a teenager willing to go to extreme lengths to escape responsibility. Her manipulation of Hoffman, her cold disregard for Ricky’s life, and her attempts to maintain an air of innocence shocked even seasoned investigators. Amy had numerous options to escape the responsibilities of motherhood without resorting to such a horrific act. Abortion was a legal and accessible option during pregnancy, and after the baby was born, she could have chosen adoption, giving her child a chance at life with another family. Both of their families were more than willing to step in and raise the child, providing a loving and supportive environment. Amy could have leaned on her family for help, allowing them to take full responsibility for raising the baby, or simply allowed them to help in any way needed. Ricky didn’t have to die. There were countless paths she could have taken—paths that would have spared Ricky’s life and given her child the opportunity to grow up surrounded by love. Instead, Amy chose the most selfish and irreversible option, robbing Ricky of his life.
Justice and Heartbreak
In 2007, Amy was convicted of first-degree murder with special circumstances, conspiracy to commit murder, and solicitation of murder. She was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Jennifer Kellogg, who pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, received a 17-year sentence.
For Ricky’s family, the convictions brought some measure of justice but could never fill the void left by his absence. Ricky’s life was taken not by a stranger, but by the people he trusted most—a betrayal that added an extra layer of tragedy to an already devastating loss.
A Daughter's Journey
Amidst this tragedy, a new life emerged. Amy was approximately 15 weeks pregnant at the time of Ricky's death, and in 1998, she gave birth to their daughter, Kayleigh. Despite the tumultuous circumstances of her birth, Kayleigh has grown into a resilient young woman.
Currently residing in California, Kayleigh shares close bonds with both her maternal and paternal grandparents, as well as Ricky's sister. Family members have noted her strength, mentioning that despite the challenges she faced from a young age, she often hides her feelings behind a smile to avoid causing others pain.
Kayleigh's journey is a testament to the enduring strength of family and the human spirit's capacity to overcome adversity.
Remembering Ricky
Ricky Cowles Jr. was more than just the victim of a terrible crime—he was a beloved son, brother, and soon-to-be father whose life was stolen far too soon. Known for his big heart, dedication to his work, and devotion to his family, Ricky left an indelible mark on those who knew him.
His dream of building a life for his growing family was tragically cut short, but his memory continues to live on in the hearts of his loved ones. Ricky’s family has worked tirelessly to ensure his story is told, both as a reminder of the dangers of betrayal and as a tribute to the kind and hardworking young man he was.
Perhaps the greatest legacy Ricky leaves behind is his daughter, Kayleigh, who carries a part of him into the future. Although she never had the chance to meet her father, Ricky’s family ensures she knows about the love he had for her and the bright future he had planned. Ricky Cowles family’s choice to donate his organs became a powerful act of compassion. By saving five lives, they ensured Ricky’s legacy would continue, offering hope and a second chance to those in desperate need. This selfless decision serves as a testament to the life-changing impact of organ donation and the lasting difference one person can make, even after they’re gone.
In the face of this tragedy, Ricky’s family has turned their pain into a call for justice and remembrance. His life and untimely death are a powerful reminder to cherish the ones we love, hold them close, and always seek the truth.
Thank you for reading Echoes of The Unsolved. If you want to stay updated on more true crime stories and ongoing investigations, be sure to subscribe to my blog. I'd also love to hear your thoughts on Ricky's case—feel free to share your opinions or any insights in the comments below. Until next time, stay safe.
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