Amanda Penny, the ex-wife of murder victim Kevin Nikel, and her romantic partner, Michael Hogue, were arrested on November 17 in connection with Nikel’s death. The case has brought attention to the complex relationships surrounding the tragedy.
Kevin Nikel, an Arkansas-based wrestler known as Ivan Warsaw, was discovered with a gunshot wound along Highway 12 near Rogers in Benton County in July 2025. He was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. The subsequent investigation led to the arrests of Penny and Hogue by the U.S. Marshals Service. Hogue faces a first-degree murder charge, while Penny is charged as an accomplice to first-degree murder, alongside additional charges related to firearm possession.
Following the arrests, Nikel’s mother, Susan Kinderman, expressed a mix of relief and lingering uncertainty about her son’s violent death. She revealed that there had been a disagreement among the parties involved that escalated into an altercation the night Nikel was shot. According to Kinderman, there were indications of prior communication that may have led Nikel to meet Penny and Hogue, where the tragic confrontation unfolded.
Kinderman confirmed that Penny is Nikel’s ex-wife, with their separation finalized only days before the shooting. Describing their relationship, she noted they were high school sweethearts, married for over a decade, but had grown apart over time due to work-related absences that strained their marriage.
In legal filings following Nikel’s death, Kinderman described Hogue as Penny’s “cohabitating romantic partner.” She admitted to not knowing much about Hogue, stating that their relationship began when he started working for Penny.
Looking ahead, Kinderman hopes for clarity about the events leading up to her son’s death. She seeks the truth and desires to hear it directly from Penny and Hogue. “I know that the justice system will work. Whatever penalty they get, I’m fine with,” she stated, emphasizing her wish to understand exactly what transpired on that fateful night.
This heartbreaking case highlights the unpredictability of relationships and the far-reaching consequences of unresolved conflict. The ongoing investigation is critical in providing answers to Nikel’s family and ensuring that justice is served.