A Missouri dad who kidnapped his two sons has been sentenced to time in jail. The father, Larry Lunnin, violated a custody agreement by taking the boys from their home in Nebraska to Missouri. While he had the children, he was in a vehicle accident that killed his youngest son. At the time of the accident, he was arrested on multiple charges related to both the kidnapping and the crash. It has been several years since the incident occurred, but now it has been confirmed that he will serve time.
The 43-year-old was sentenced on June 23, 2025, for the crime that took place in September 2022, KOMU reported. He was sentenced three years each for second-degree involuntary manslaughter and two counts of child abduction. KOMU reported that the sentences will be served concurrently. But other news outlets, including KMIZ and KY3 reported the sentences will be served consecutively. If they are served consecutively, Lunnin will spend nine years in jail as opposed to three.
In September 2022, Lunnin was driving a soft-topped Jeep Wrangler in Missouri. His 3- and 7-year-old sons were in the vehicle as well. He drove off the right side of the road, crashing into a sign. The vehicle then overturned, killing his 3-year-old son. Lunnin and the 7-year-old both suffered minor injuries, KOMU reported. They refused care at the scene.
Although they were all wearing seat belts at the time of the crash, the 3-year-old boy was not in a car seat. It is unknown what caused Lunnin to crash his Jeep.
According to investigators, Lunnin admitted that he took his sons from their mother in Nebraska and had them between January and March 2022. In March 2022, a judge gave the mother “sole legal and physical custody,” ordering Lunnin to return them to her. KY3 reported that he was found in contempt of court when he failed to return the boys. Multiple reports say the father alleged he never received the court order.
In April 2025, Lunnin entered an Alford plea. According to KOMU, that means he maintained his innocence but entered a guilty plea. Per KY3, he admitted there was enough evidence to convict him.
No date has been given for when he’s expected to show up at the Missouri Department of Corrections to begin his sentence.
