Homer Woman's Killer to Be Sentenced, Community Invited to Share Impact

Kirby Calderwood pleaded guilty to murdering Anesha 'Duffy' Murnane in 2019, and will be sentenced on July 1.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 12:03am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a personal item related to the Anesha 'Duffy' Murnane murder case, dramatically lit by a harsh camera flash against a dark background, conveying the serious, investigative nature of the crime.A community's grief and demand for justice are reflected in the stark forensic evidence of a tragic unsolved murder.Homer Today

The Homer community is being invited to submit victim impact statements ahead of the sentencing of Kirby Calderwood, who pleaded guilty to the 2019 murder of Anesha 'Duffy' Murnane. Calderwood, who worked at the assisted living facility where Murnane lived, will be sentenced to 87 years in prison with 10 years of probation. Community members can share how Murnane's disappearance and murder have affected them, and the statements will be provided to the judge and the Alaska Department of Corrections.

Why it matters

Murnane's disappearance and murder have deeply impacted the tight-knit Homer community, where she was a beloved member. The victim impact statements will ensure the full scope of the community's grief and trauma is understood by the court, and may also be considered in any future release decisions.

The details

On October 17, 2019, Anesha 'Duffy' Murnane went missing from the assisted living facility where she lived in Homer, Alaska. A massive community search was conducted, but Murnane was never found. In February 2026, 36-year-old Kirby Calderwood, who worked at the facility, pleaded guilty to Murnane's murder. His plea deal calls for an 87-year prison sentence with 10 years of probation. Ahead of Calderwood's sentencing on July 1, the community is being invited to submit victim impact statements describing how Murnane's disappearance and murder have affected them.

  • On October 17, 2019, Anesha 'Duffy' Murnane went missing.
  • In February 2026, Kirby Calderwood pleaded guilty to Murnane's murder.
  • Calderwood will be sentenced on July 1, 2026.

The players

Anesha 'Duffy' Murnane

A beloved member of the Homer community who went missing in 2019 and was later found to have been murdered by Kirby Calderwood.

Kirby Calderwood

A 36-year-old man who worked at the assisted living facility where Murnane lived and pleaded guilty to her murder in 2026.

Michael Huelsman

Duffy Murnane's uncle, speaking on behalf of her family and friends.

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What they’re saying

“The purpose of these statements is to ensure that the full and lasting impact of this crime on individuals and the community is understood.”

— Michael Huelsman, Duffy's uncle

What’s next

On May 2, Duffy's Family & Friends will present 'Duffy's Journey to Justice, A Community Gathering for Awareness & Action on Violence Against Women' at Homer's Kachemak Bay Campus. The event will feature a talk by the special investigator who broke the case, as well as a presentation on violence against women in Alaska.

The takeaway

This case highlights the profound impact that the disappearance and murder of a beloved community member can have, and the importance of providing avenues for the community to share their grief and trauma. The victim impact statements will ensure Duffy Murnane's story and the community's loss are fully understood by the court.