Utah Woman Pleads Guilty to Husband’s Murder as Chilling Internet Searches Come to Light
The case has shocked many due the involvement of Kathryn’s close family members.
A Utah woman who admitted to plotting and carrying out the murder of her estranged husband is now facing sentencing, after disturbing details about the case—including her internet history—have come to light.
Kathryn Restelli, 37, has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and felony discharge of a firearm in connection with the July 2024 killing of her husband, Matthew Restelli. The case has shocked many due to both the calculated nature of the act and the involvement of Kathryn’s close family members.
According to prosecutors, Kathryn left California after separating from Matthew and relocated to her mother’s home in American Fork, Utah, with her children. There, investigators say she conspired with her mother, Tracy Grist, and brother, Kevin Ellis, to lure Matthew into a trap under the false pretense of reconciliation.
Prosecutors allege Kathryn invited Matthew to help pack up belongings, creating a scenario that would allow the family to claim he entered uninvited. While she went upstairs, her mother and brother waited. When Matthew entered, Ellis reportedly fired multiple rounds, killing him. A knife was then planted on his body in an attempt to fabricate a self-defense narrative.
American Fork Police Officer Joseph Nordin testified that their story quickly unraveled.
“Matthew Restelli is left-handed, and he's holding [the knife] in his right hand. Along with that, during the autopsy, a bullet wound was found in his right wrist … the same hand he's holding the knife with,” he stated.
Kathryn and her family reportedly conspired to kill her estranged husband
kathrynsamantha/Facebook
Adding to the grim picture were Kathryn’s internet searches, which included researching past homicide cases and bizarrely, “what attracts mountain lions to humans.” Prosecutors believe these searches reflect the depth of premeditation involved. Her mother reportedly searched gun laws and recent shootings in the days leading up to the crime.
Matthew was killed shortly after entering the Utah home. The case has drawn significant attention online, with many questioning how such an elaborate plan could involve multiple family members.
Matthew was shot after he entered the home in Utah
Law&Crime/YouTube
Kathryn is scheduled to be sentenced on September 9. Her mother and brother are facing charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and domestic violence in the presence of children. Kevin Ellis also faces firearm and drug-related charges. Their joint trial is expected to begin in January.