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Mother, Daughter Charged With Evidence Tampering in Lebanon Death Investigation

Surveillance footage, a recovered bloody knife, plus an alleged admission now drive the decision on possible additional charges.

Overview

  • Lebanon City police arrested Katlynn Kearney, 32, and her mother, Joanne Kearney, 61, on misdemeanor counts of tampering with physical evidence and conspiracy.
  • Officers found 45-year-old Dontay Hunter dead inside a Chestnut Street apartment during a Sunday well-being check, and the case is being investigated as a homicide.
  • Court documents describe surveillance from Oct. 4 capturing a struggle, Joanne Kearney saying "He's dead," and Katlynn leaving with a white plastic bag later recovered from a dumpster.
  • Police said the bag contained a knife with blood on the blade and clothing matching the video, and that Katlynn admitted striking Hunter twice with a knife.
  • A judge set bail at $250,000 for each defendant at arraignment, with both held in Lebanon County Prison and preliminary hearings scheduled for Oct. 16.