A Boalsburg woman’s death 1 year ago was ruled a homicide. Will charges be filed?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Investigation delays hinge on ballistics and blood spatter tests, decision pending.
- DA Cantorna expects blood spatter results in January; ballistics testing drives timeline.
- Woman died from gunshot; boyfriend reported a struggle and 911 call.
Centre County’s top prosecutor said it could be several more months until a charging decision is made in the death of a Boalsburg woman who was shot exactly one year ago Wednesday.
Investigators are waiting for the results of ballistics and blood spatter testing, District Attorney Bernie Cantorna told the Centre Daily Times. He said he hopes to make a decision on potential charges by the end of March.
“No one in law enforcement is happy that it’s taking this long. We are imminently aware that the family needs an answer and are very frustrated that it has taken this long,” Cantorna said. “It’s our desire to bring it to a close for the victim’s family in a timely manner and we’re not happy about it.”
Chelsea Knepp, 35, died of a gunshot wound to her head in the home she shared with her boyfriend along the 900 block of Boal Avenue, Cantorna said in April. Her death was ruled a homicide.
Her boyfriend told police a handgun discharged during an altercation between the two. He called 911 about 5 a.m. Dec. 17 to report she had been shot and needed an ambulance, Cantorna said.
He was interviewed at the home, told investigators there had been a domestic argument that escalated and that he attempted to disarm Knepp, but the handgun discharged during the struggle, Cantorna said.
The district attorney did not offer a direct response in April when asked if the man is cooperating with the investigation. Cantorna would only say the man was interviewed at the scene.
Prosecutors expect to receive blood spatter results from the state police in January, but Cantorna said the ballistics testing is what’s dictating the speed of the investigation. Once that’s complete, the results would then be sent to a medical expert.
“Until we can get that done, we really can’t make a decision,” Cantorna said.
Knepp and her boyfriend were together for “some time” and police had been called to the home before, Cantorna said. Those with information were previously asked 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.
“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 was survived by her parents, two brothers, maternal grandparents and nieces and nephews.