He was kind and funny and loved being a father. That is how a 42-year-old father of four is being remembered by his family.
Meanwhile, the suspected killer of Nathan Gemeinhart is facing a capital murder charge.
Gemeinhart’s body was found on August 9 in a burning home in the 1300 Block of Eufaula Avenue. Firefighters responded to the fire at the abandoned house around 2:45 a.m. and found the body after putting out the flames.
The manner of death has not been determined, but police said the suspect, Youit De Witt Jones, 35, of Birmingham, is charged with capital murder (kidnapping) and arson.
“Youit De Witt Jones is currently in the custody of the Carter County Sheriff's Office in Ardmore, OK, on unrelated charges pending extradition,” police said in a statement.
After he is brought back to Alabama, Jones will be held in the Jefferson County Jail with no bond.
Gemeinhart’s family released a statement saying, “Friends near and far, we are heartbroken by the loss of our Nathan. He was good, kind, and faithful. He was funny. He listened well. He worked hard. He never met a stranger and never, ever turned down a plate of tex-mex. Nathan was a gifted musician who enjoyed teaching our children the names of instruments and blues musicians. He loved Jesus.
“He absolutely adored being a daddy. He delighted in his family and friends. His love for me was patient, tender, and unending. We miss him terribly and will grieve his absence the rest of our days.
“The manner of his death is gut-wrenching, and so we look with an achy hope to the Christian Scriptures for comfort. We believe we will see Nathan again, where God will wipe away our every tear, and where death is no more.”
The funeral for Gemeinhart will be held on August 28, at 4 p.m., at Covenant Presbyterian Church. Gemeinhart’s family is asking the public, in lieu of flowers, to donate to the Gemeinhart Support Fund or volunteer for Restoration Academy.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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