Pennsylvania Woman Charged with Criminal Homicide After Stabbing Boyfriend in Lebanon City

By Ronald Rodriguez Last updated Oct 11, 2025

Lebanon, PA – A disturbing case unfolded in Lebanon City, Pennsylvania, where Katelynn Kearney, 32, is now facing serious accusations following the stabbing death of her boyfriend, Dontay Maurice Hunter, 45. The incident, which has drawn significant local attention, led to charges not only against Kearney but also her mother, Joanne Kearney, 61, for tampering with evidence.

The case began when Kearney called 911 on the morning of October 4th, reporting that she found Hunter unresponsive and bleeding in his apartment. However, police quickly grew suspicious of her flat tone and inconsistent story, as well as the surveillance footage that surfaced shortly thereafter.

The Timeline and Evidence That Changed the Case

Law enforcement scrutinized surveillance footage from the evening before the stabbing, showing Hunter and Kearney entering the apartment together at around 8 p.m. During the footage, a female voice was heard shouting, “Get off of me,” followed by a sequence in which Kearney and her mother were seen entering Hunter’s unit together and then Kearney leaving with a suspicious white plastic bag.

Police discovered a bloody knife and blood-stained clothing in a nearby dumpster, along with blood evidence scattered on doorknobs and hallways near the apartment complex on Chestnut Street. These elements contradicted Kearney’s initial statements denying involvement.

Conflicting Statements and Final Admission

Kearney initially told police she and Hunter had only argued and that she found him dead the next morning, a claim her mother supported. Yet, after being confronted with surveillance evidence and hours of questioning, Kearney admitted to stabbing Hunter twice during an argument, claiming self-defense and accidental stabbing due to tremors.

“After all of her lies to police, the Defendant admitted she stabbed the victim but then attempted to claim self-defense,” stated Lebanon County District Attorney Pier Hess Graf in a press release.

Despite the violent encounter, Kearney did not seek medical care for herself and did not call 911 immediately to report the stabbing, raising further concerns about her intentions and credibility.

Context of Domestic Violence and Community Impact

Authorities noted in their statement that on the same day as the stabbing, local events commemorated Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Ironically, the fatal stabbing underscores the persistent risk and reality of domestic violence, even as community members gathered to support intervention efforts.

Katelynn Kearney charged with criminal homicide.
Both Katelynn and her mother face charges of tampering with evidence.
Victim Dontay Maurice Hunter was found stabbed multiple times in his apartment.
Surveillance footage and physical evidence contradicted initial claims by Kearney and her mother.

For a comprehensive overview of the case details and legal proceedings, visit Law & Crime.

What Comes Next in This Tragic Case?

As Katelynn Kearney awaits further legal actions, the community remains shaken by the brutal killing and the implications it holds for domestic violence victims. Law enforcement continues to investigate, ensuring all evidence is thoroughly examined to deliver justice for Hunter.

The case dramatically highlights the complexities of domestic violence incidents and the challenges police face when suspects initially deny involvement. With the mother also implicated, this case adds another layer to the ongoing investigation.

What do you think about this discovery and the ongoing investigation? Share your thoughts in the comments below!