On July 31, 2025, the quiet town of Earling, Iowa, was disturbed by the tragic death of 32-year-old Theresa Kenkel, a white female. Concerns for her welfare led Shelby County Sheriff's deputies to her home at 204 2nd Avenue. Upon entering the residence, they made the grim discovery of Ms. Kenkel's body inside. Her body was subsequently transported to the State Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy to determine the official cause of death.
The investigation into the circumstances
surrounding Theresa Kenkel's death quickly progressed, and authorities assured the public that they believed it to be an isolated incident with no ongoing threat to the community. The Shelby County Sheriff's Office, with assistance from the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, diligently pursued leads in the case. Their efforts led to the identification of two individuals connected to the events of that day.
Within a couple of days, two arrests were made in connection with the death. Winston "Joe" Leal, 34, was taken into custody and charged with first-degree murder. Another individual, Ashley McWilliams, was also arrested and charged with accessory after the fact. A search warrant revealed further details of the tragic incident, indicating that a physical altercation between Leal and Kenkel had escalated, culminating in Kenkel being shot. Following the shooting, Leal and McWilliams reportedly drove to Council Bluffs where they reported the incident.
In the months that followed, the legal process moved forward. Winston Joseph Leal, initially charged with first-degree murder, later pleaded guilty. His sentencing was scheduled for October 29th. Ashley McWilliams also entered a guilty plea to the charge of accessory after the fact, with her sentencing set for November 17th.
