Kathryn D. Boggess, a 60-year-old woman from Vero Beach, Florida, died unexpectedly on June 9, 2016, at her home. Kathryn, who was born in Orlando, Florida, had lived in Vero Beach for 25 years before moving to Palm Beach County, where she resided for 30 years. She had recently relocated back to Vero Beach. Kathryn was known for her extraordinary cooking skills, gracious entertaining, and her endless kindness and generosity.
She was a graduate of Vero Beach High School and earned a Bachelor's Degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Kathryn was deeply loved by her family and friends, and her sudden death left a significant void in their lives.
The circumstances surrounding Kathryn D. Boggess's death were tragic and shocking. On the evening of June 9, 2016, her husband, 68-year-old Earl Lee Boggess, called 911 and admitted to shooting his wife. When the police arrived at their home on 17th Street, they found Kathryn's body on the kitchen floor with a single gunshot wound to the chest. Earl was found pacing near the patio doors, holding a firearm. After a tense 40-minute standoff, during which Earl threatened to shoot himself, the police managed to subdue him using a non-lethal bean bag round. Earl was taken into custody without further incident.
Earl Lee Boggess was charged with second-degree murder for the death of his wife, Kathryn D. Boggess. The investigation revealed no signs of a struggle between the couple, and no clear motive was identified. Neighbors and friends were shocked by the incident, describing the couple as friendly and outgoing. There were no prior indications of domestic violence, although it was believed that Earl had been drinking at the time of the crime. In June 2018, a jury found Earl Lee Boggess guilty of second-degree murder, and he was sentenced to life in prison. The tragic death of Kathryn D. Boggess and the subsequent legal proceedings left a lasting impact on the Vero Beach community.
