Utah Family Ties Turn FATAL!!

The Restelli murder case out of Utah—the chilling conspiracy orchestrated by Kathryn Restelli—offers a disturbing peek behind the curtain of a seemingly ordinary family. What drove a mother, daughter, and brother to plot such a heinous act?

At a Glance

• Kathryn Restelli, along with her mother and brother, plotted to murder her estranged husband, Matthew Restelli, in American Fork, Utah.
• The July 2024 crime was elaborately staged to look like self-defense but was quickly unraveled by police.
• Kathryn Restelli has pleaded guilty to murder and awaits sentencing, while her mother and brother await trial.
• The case highlights the devastating escalation of domestic violence and the legal implications of a family conspiracy.

A Deadly Trap Disguised as Reconciliation

The tragic events began on July 12, 2024, when Matthew Restelli was lured to American Fork, Utah, by his estranged wife, Kathryn . Under the false pretense of a family reconciliation and a planned trip to California, she enticed him into a deadly trap. Awaiting his arrival was Kathryn’s brother, Kevin Ellis, who shot and killed Matthew shortly after he entered the home. In a brazen attempt to cover up the murder, a knife was placed in Matthew’s hand to stage a scene of self-defense, but law enforcement quickly saw through the ruse.

Kathryn Restelli pleaded guilty to three charges in the July 2024 death of Matthew Restelli. Her mother and brother are also facing charges. #CourtTV What do YOU think? https://t.co/cpuLvHii7C

— Court TV (@CourtTV) July 17, 2025

The investigation revealed a chilling level of premeditation. Police discovered that Kathryn had arrived in Utah days earlier and had placed a **tracking device on Matthew’s truck** to monitor his every move. This was not a crime of passion but a cold, calculated plot to commit murder.

A Guilty Plea and a Long Road to Justice

In a significant development, Kathryn Restelli pleaded guilty to one count of murder. As part of the **plea agreement**, prosecutors agreed to drop other charges, including obstruction of justice and domestic violence in the presence of a child. Her sentencing is scheduled for September 9, 2025, where she could face up to life in prison.

Meanwhile, the wheels of justice are turning for her alleged accomplices. Her mother, Tracey Grist, and brother, Kevin Ellis, who are accused of helping orchestrate and carry out the plot, are scheduled to stand trial in January 2026. Their cases will further unravel how a misguided sense of family loyalty led to a tragic and senseless death.

The Lingering Impact of a Family’s Betrayal

The Restelli case forces a difficult confrontation with the realities of domestic violence and how family dynamics can escalate to deadly extremes. Legal experts note the insidious nature of conspiracy cases where family members collude, often weaving manipulated narratives to obscure the truth. The true victims are undoubtedly Matthew Restelli and his children, who are left to carry the immense burden of their own mother’s betrayal. As the legal proceedings continue, the community watches and waits, hoping for a resolution that delivers justice for Matthew.