REYNOLDSBURG, OH – A 22-year-old man faces decades behind bars for committing what an Ohio judge deemed “one of the most horrific murders” witnessed in their court. Prosecutors revealed details of the gruesome crime where Kandawaswika Kahari strangled his 46-year-old girlfriend, Susan Ramberg, and left her body to decompose in her garage, compelling her 10-year-old son to assist him.
During Kahari’s sentencing on Friday, Ramberg’s family expressed the unimaginable ordeal faced by the young boy, who was forced to interact with his deceased mother under duress from Kahari.
They shared that the child had to endure severe trauma, including pretending to be dead to avoid further harm from Kahari and living in fear of when he might be fed.
Kahari was sentenced to 39 years to life imprisonment for the murder and related crimes that occurred in February 2023. He entered a guilty plea in December, admitting to charges including aggravated murder, felonious assault, and gross abuse of a corpse.
The presiding judge remarked on the disturbing nature of the case, highlighting its severity. Kahari allegedly constructed a makeshift “bed” for Ramberg post-mortem, leaving her son in isolation for extended periods within the home, interspersed with occasions when Kahari would visit to check on them and bring food.
Details from the investigation revealed that the fatal incident began with a dispute between Kahari and Ramberg in the garage. It escalated to violence when Kahari assaulted her, using both his fists and a chokehold, leading to her death. He was also reported to have assaulted her son with a shovel and coerced him into participating in the concealment of her body.
Ramberg, remembered in an online obituary, was described as a dedicated and compassionate mother who held her family and friendships dear. Her commitment to those around her was recalled with fondness and respect.
Kahari’s path to potential parole will only open after he has served 39 years of his sentence, reflecting the gravity of his actions and the profound impact on the victims’ family.