Mom’s Chilling Online Searches Revealed After Husband’s Murder

Kathryn Restelli, 37, pleaded guilty to murdering her estranged husband, Matthew Restelli, in a calculated plot with her family.

What makes the case especially haunting is the revelation that she conducted chilling online searches prior to the shooting, attempting to stage the crime scene to appear as self-defense.

Luring Him to His Death

Separated from Matthew and living at her mother’s home in Utah, Kathryn convinced him she wanted reconciliation. She texted him to drive from California and enter the house through an unlocked door, crafted to make it look like he broke in. Once inside, her brother ambushed Matthew and fatally shot him. The family then placed a knife in his hand to support their fake self-defense story.

Online Clues That Told the Truth

Investigators discovered that Kathryn had researched homicide cases and even searched “what attracts mountain lions to humans” in the days before the murder. Her mother also combed through information on recent shootings and state gun laws. These internet habits, coupled with physical evidence, dismantled their fabricated narrative.

Prosecuted as a Family Conspiracy

Kathryn entered a guilty plea to second-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and first-degree firearm discharge. In exchange, prosecutors dropped charges related to domestic violence in front of a child and obstruction of justice. She now faces sentencing in September, with a potential sentence from six years to life in prison.

Her mother and brother face separate trials in early 2026 on charges that include first-degree murder, conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and domestic violence in the presence of a child. The brother also faces firearm and drug-related charges.

How the Plot Fell Apart

A critical error in their staged scene was the placement of the knife. Matthew was left-handed, yet the knife was found in his right hand, where a bullet wound was also discovered. That inconsistency, alongside Kathryn’s internet activity, unraveled the self-defense claim.

This case highlights how digital footprints can expose criminal intent. Kathryn’s internet searches helped prosecutors build a detailed timeline and motive. It also underlines the extreme lengths some will go to manipulate truth and evade justice.

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