HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION - ARREST
News Date: Wednesday, December 31, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION - ARREST
HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION - ARREST
DEFENDANT: Elizabeth L. McKenna (46 years of age)
Kutztown, PA 19530
Kutztown, PA 19530
Elizabeth L. McKenna
VICTIM: William P. Kelly (53 years of age)
Kutztown, PA 19530
CHARGES: Murder of the First Degree
Murder of the Third Degree
Aggravated Assault (2 counts)
DETAILS OF INCIDENT:
On Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at approximately 2026 hours, a 911 call was made from 427 W. Walnut Street, Kutztown Borough, Berks County. The caller, a 46-year-old female, reported that she had just shot her husband.
As a result of this 911 call, the Kutztown Borough Police Department responded to 427 W. Walnut Street and discovered William P. KELLY deceased in the dining room of this residence. Kelly had been shot in the head. The firearm used during this incident was recovered at the scene.
The Berks County Detective’s Office were contacted, and a joint criminal investigation with the Kutztown Borough Police Department was initiated. The Berks County District Attorney’s Forensic Services Unit also responded to the crime scene.
As part of this investigation, detectives interviewed the suspect, who was identified as Elizabeth MCKENNA. MCKENNA informed investigators that just prior to this shooting, she and the victim became engaged in a verbal argument and that during this argument, the victim was antagonizing her. MCKENNA stated that she went to her second-floor bedroom and retrieved a handgun from her safe. She then returned to the first floor of the residence and shot the victim at close range. After shooting the victim, MCKENNA placed the firearm on the dining room table and called 911.
Investigators learned that a ten-year-old child was also inside the home at the time of this incident. The child was in an upstairs bedroom when this shooting occurred and was unharmed.
On Wednesday, December 31, 2025, Elizabeth MCKENNA was charged with Murder of the First Degree, Murder of the Third Degree, and two (2) counts of Aggravated Assault. MCKENNA was transported to the Central Processing Center located at the Berks County Courthouse where she is currently awaiting her arraignment.
During this investigation, the Kutztown Police Department and the Berks County Detectives were assisted at the scene by the Kutztown University Police and the Berks County Coroner’s Office.
As in every criminal case, the fact that an arrest has occurred or a complaint has been filed is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.