On 17/7, Kathryn Restelli pleaded guilty to murder and conspiracy to commit murder in the death of her estranged husband, 34-year-old Matthew Restelli.

The mother of two confessed to luring her husband to her mother's home in American Fork, Utah, on 12/7/2024, under the pretense of reconciling. Kathryn and her family planned to accuse Matthew of breaking into the house, allowing her 35-year-old brother, Kevin Ellis, to fatally shoot him. They intended to claim self-defense.

Kathryn Restelli is accused of luring her husband into a trap to kill him. Photo: *Facebook*

Matthew’s mother testified that her son was worried after his wife took their children to her mother’s home. He agreed to drive from California to American Fork to pick up his family because Kathryn said she couldn't rent a car.

Despite promising Matthew they would all drive back together, Kathryn hadn't packed any luggage for the supposed trip, according to police.

Kathryn admitted to placing a tracking device on Matthew's truck to monitor his arrival time, while also staying in contact with her family to ensure they were ready. She also allegedly made preparations for the murder, such as covering the living room sofa to prevent bloodstains.

They left the door open for Matthew to walk in. After shooting Matthew, Kevin and their mother placed a knife in the victim's hand to support their fabricated story.

Officers at the scene testified to finding Matthew holding the knife backward and gripped in his right hand, despite being left-handed. Additionally, the gunshot wound was located in the center of his palm where he held the knife. This raised suspicions about the family's self-defense claim.

Kathryn's mother, 60-year-old Tracey Grist, called 911 after the incident, but several minutes later than a neighbor who reported hearing gunshots, further fueling police suspicion.

Having pleaded guilty to lesser charges, Kathryn faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for 9/9.

Kathryn’s mother and brother are both charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder, obstruction of justice, and two counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child. Both are scheduled for jury trials in January 2026.

Tue Anh (*Nypost*)