Matthew Restelli traveled from California to Utah in July 2024 believing his estranged wife, Kathryn, was willing to reconcile and return home with their two children. Kathryn later admitted that she had instead conspired with her mother, Tracey Grist, and brother, Kevin Ellis, to kill him. Kathryn testified that she placed a tracker in Matthew’s truck and stayed in contact during his drive to reassure him and “keep him calm.”
When Matthew reached the home, Kathryn told him the door was unlocked and to come inside. Ellis shot him shortly afterward. The family initially claimed self-defense, but prosecutors alleged a knife had been placed in Matthew’s hand afterward to support that story. Kathryn pleaded guilty to murder and conspiracy; Ellis and Grist were later convicted for their roles in Matthew’s death.