Local Man Pleads Guilty in Earling Murder Case
A tragic development in Shelby County: Winston “Joe” Leal has pled guilty to the first-degree murder of Theresa Kenkel, discovered shot in her Earling home. This case sheds light on escalating crime in the Harlan community. Read more for the full story.
A tragic incident in Shelby County has led to a second guilty plea related to a murder that occurred this summer in Earling.
On July 31, deputies discovered 32-year-old Theresa Kenkel shot to death in her home during a welfare check. Harlan resident 33-year-old Winston “Joe” Leal has now pled guilty to first-degree murder, a charge that can result in a life sentence without parole.
Additionally, another Harlan woman, 35, has also pled guilty to being an accessory after the fact, facing a maximum five-year prison term for her involvement in the case.
These developments are significant for the Harlan community, as they highlight the ongoing challenges related to crime in the area.
For more details on this story, visit the original article linked here.
