On December 16, 2022, the body of 25-year-old Paige Nikole Kibe was discovered on River Road in Bratton Township, Pennsylvania. An investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police revealed that she had died from multiple gunshot wounds. Kibe was found holding a pair of black-framed glasses, and a black knit cap was located behind her. Investigators also recovered two cell phones at the scene, which proved crucial in tracing her movements and identifying potential suspects.
The investigation into Kibe's death, which was ruled a criminal homicide, led to the identification of two primary suspects. Michael Jason Kennedy, 44, of Yeagertown, was arrested on December 21, 2022. He faces a number of charges, including criminal homicide, aggravated assault, and kidnapping, and is being held without bail. A second suspect, 26-year-old Trevor Alan Middaugh of Lewistown, turned himself in to the police on January 4, 2023, after a warrant was issued for his arrest. Middaugh has been charged with criminal homicide, criminal conspiracy, aggravated assault, kidnapping, and other related offenses.
According to police reports, Kennedy and Middaugh are accused of conspiring to murder Kibe. The motive for the alleged killing is believed to be their suspicion that Kibe had stolen guns from one of them. A witness reportedly told investigators they saw Kennedy and Middaugh with Kibe at the boat launch where her body was later found. The witness claimed to have heard two gunshots after the duo questioned Kibe about the location of the guns. The same witness stated that Kennedy was 'running the show' and making all the decisions. Following the shooting, both Kennedy and Middaugh allegedly warned the witness to remain silent.
