Overview
- Katelynn Kearney, 32, was charged with homicide in the Oct. 4 killing of Dontay Hunter and is being held in Lebanon County with bail denied, with a preliminary hearing set for Oct. 16.
- Investigators say surveillance video shows Kearney and her mother entering and exiting Hunter’s Chestnut Street apartment over about 12 hours to remove items, including clothing and a knife later recovered from a dumpster.
- Kearney called 911 after the final removal and told responders she found Hunter on his bed, according to prosecutors, without disclosing that she stabbed him.
- After initially claiming self-defense, Kearney reenacted the incident for police, described grabbing a large knife and later suggested an accidental stab due to tremors, despite having no injuries or seeking medical care.
- An autopsy found a single stab wound to the chest and ruled the death a homicide, and authorities say Hunter had no weapon; Kearney’s mother, Joanne Kearney, faces misdemeanor counts of tampering and conspiracy.