Utah man admits beating wife to death on cruise ship while kids watched

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTLA) -- A Utah man pleaded guilty to beating his wife to death aboard a cruise ship two and a half years ago, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Friday.

The Emerald Princess cruise ship was in U.S. waters when the Utah couple had a verbal fight in their cabin, according to the Dept. of Justice.

“According to admissions made in connection with the plea, Kenneth and Kristy Manzanares became involved in a verbal argument about Kenneth's behavior that evening, and, during the discussion, Kristy stated she wanted a divorce and told him to disembark the vessel at Juneau in order for him to travel back home to Utah,” the news release said.

Kenneth Manzanares told two children in the room to go to an adjoining room where some of Kristy's relatives were staying, the Justice Department said. After the children heard screaming they tried to get back in the room but couldn't. They could see from a connected balcony the husband striking his wife with his hands while she was on the floor, the release said.

Kristy Manzanares died of blunt force trauma to her face and head.

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