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Prosecutors Charge Lebanon Woman With Homicide in Boyfriend’s Stabbing

Prosecutors say surveillance footage and recovered evidence, together with an autopsy ruling, underpin the homicide case.

Overview

  • Katelynn Kearney, 32, was charged with homicide in the Oct. 4 killing of Dontay Hunter and is being held in Lebanon County with bail denied, with a preliminary hearing set for Oct. 16.
  • Investigators say surveillance video shows Kearney and her mother entering and exiting Hunter’s Chestnut Street apartment over about 12 hours to remove items, including clothing and a knife later recovered from a dumpster.
  • Kearney called 911 after the final removal and told responders she found Hunter on his bed, according to prosecutors, without disclosing that she stabbed him.
  • After initially claiming self-defense, Kearney reenacted the incident for police, described grabbing a large knife and later suggested an accidental stab due to tremors, despite having no injuries or seeking medical care.
  • An autopsy found a single stab wound to the chest and ruled the death a homicide, and authorities say Hunter had no weapon; Kearney’s mother, Joanne Kearney, faces misdemeanor counts of tampering and conspiracy.