Woman Pleads Guilty in Husband’s Shooting Death

A woman from Utah has admitted to conspiring with her family to arrange the killing of her estranged husband, aiming to make it appear as self-defense. Kathryn Restelli, 37, pleaded guilty to reduced charges of second-degree murder and conspiracy in connection with her husband Matthew Restelli’s death at their family home.

On July 12, 2024, Kathryn lured Matthew to her mother’s house, claiming she wanted to reconcile and inviting him to enter unannounced. Once inside, her brother, Kevin Ellis, shot Matthew, who was found at the scene holding a knife. However, police investigators questioned the family’s self-defense claim, noting that Matthew was left-handed and the knife’s position was inconsistent with his dominant hand.

According to court statements, Restelli and her family staged the scene to frame Matthew as a intruder, with her brother shooting him in a setup designed to justify self-defense. Officers who responded found Matthew with a gunshot wound centered on his wrist, raising further doubts about the family’s narrative. Additionally, inside the house, police found inconsistencies, such as Matthew gripping the knife incorrectly despite being left-handed.

Evidence revealed that Restelli had planted a tracking device in Matthew’s truck and coordinated with her family to ensure he would arrive so her brother could carry out the shooting. Her mother, Tracey Grist, called 911 shortly after the shooting, but neighbors had already alerted authorities, raising suspicion.

Matthew had planned to retrieve his family from Utah where they were staying after his wife took the kids and family vehicle there. Restelli’s mother reportedly prepped the home for the murder, including covering the couch to hide bloodstains. Restelli also faces additional charges, including a felony firearm charge, and is scheduled for sentencing later this year. Her family members, Ellis and Grist, are both charged with similar crimes, with trials set for early next year.