Death of Boalsburg woman who was shot ruled a homicide, Centre County’s district attorney says
The death of a Boalsburg woman who was shot in the home she shared with her boyfriend was ruled a homicide, Centre County’s top prosecutor said Wednesday.
No charges have been filed in connection with the December death of Chelsea Knepp, though the investigation is ongoing. Knepp’s boyfriend — who the CDT has not named because he has not been charged — told police a handgun went off during an altercation between the two.
Centre County District Attorney Bernie Cantorna said “no conclusion on criminality” can be made until police finish evaluating forensic evidence.
“It is of the utmost importance that law enforcement analyze the objective forensic evidence so we can make a determination of what occurred to the victim in this case,” Cantorna said.
In his first public comments about the shooting, Cantorna said prosecutors are waiting for the state police to finish evaluating blood spatter evidence collected from the home along the 900 block of Boal Avenue.
Once that forensic examination is complete, Cantorna said the legally-owned handgun used in the shooting would be sent for testing. That process is expected to take two weeks, though it’s unclear when investigators will conclude their analysis of the blood spatter.
Knepp, 35, died of a gunshot wound to her head. Her boyfriend called 911 about 5 a.m. Dec. 17 to report she had been shot and needed an ambulance, Cantorna said.
The man was interviewed at the scene and told investigators there had been a domestic argument that escalated, Cantorna said. The man told police he attempted to disarm Knepp, but the handgun discharged during the struggle, Cantorna said.
Cantorna did not offer a direct response when asked if the man is cooperating with the investigation. He would only say the man was interviewed at the scene.
Knepp and her boyfriend were together for “some time,” Cantorna said. He also said police had been called to the home before.
Those with information about Knepp, her boyfriend or the shooting were encouraged to contact State College police at 814-234-7150.
Knepp was remembered in her obituary for her flamboyant personality and sense of humor. She was a licensed practical nurse and worked in skilled nursing at The Atrium at The Village at Penn State.
She enjoyed caring for residents and made friendships with them and their families, according to her obituary.
“She loved her pets, especially her dog, Tucker, who helped her through many rough times,” according to the obituary. “She also had a love for her chickens whom she liked to visit and spoil.”
She is survived by her parents, two brothers, maternal grandparents and nieces and nephews.