Bullhead City Man Faces 20-Year Sentence for Uncle’s Murder

In a poignant sentencing hearing in Kingman on Tuesday, the emotional toll of violence was laid bare as the wheelchair-bound partner of the victim and the victim’s daughter expressed their profound losses. Don Kelso, 31, had earlier pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for the fatal stabbing of his uncle, Steven Anderson, 53, which occurred during an eviction-related altercation in Bullhead City.

The incident took place on June 29 at Anderson’s residence on Ramar Road, where tensions boiled over into deadly action. Amanda Vijas, the partner of the deceased, recounted the torment of being unable to assist her partner as he faced his nephew. “This crime has impacted me in a profound manner. I have nightmares. I wake up at night with Steven screaming ‘help me,’” she shared with Judge Doug Camacho. Describing her relationship with Anderson, she added, “Steve was my friend, my caregiver, and in every aspect, my husband.”

Vijas outlined the aftermath of the tragedy, revealing how she had to send their daughter, Kathleen Anderson, to her room while cleaning the crime scene from her wheelchair. The family’s stability was shattered as Kathleen’s plans for college were replaced by the need to provide for her mother and take on caregiving responsibilities.

During her testimony, Kathleen expressed her anguish: “The whole thing is like a Hollywood movie to me. It sucks to know that my father won’t see me grow.” This statement encapsulated the chaos and disruption that has enveloped both her and her mother since their loss.

Judge Camacho denied Kelso’s requests to withdraw his plea and to represent himself during the sentencing. Citing Kelso’s three-week lapse in taking his schizophrenia medication, the judge stressed the importance of legal representation. “You can seek remedy through post-conviction relief,” Camacho stated, emphasizing his reluctance to grant Kelso autonomy in his defense due to concerns over his mental health.

Subsequently, the judge imposed a 20-year prison sentence, the minimum set forth in the plea agreement. While experts had previously deemed Kelso competent to stand trial, this did not shield him from the consequences of his actions.