Kevin Matthew Kilpatrick, a 30-year-old resident of Shavertown, Pennsylvania, tragically lost his life on August 31, 2023. Born in Englewood, New Jersey, Kevin was the son of James and Elena Kilpatrick. He was a graduate of Abington Heights High School, where he was a member of the 2010 Lackawanna League District 2 Championship football team. Kevin later attended West Chester University and played football there as well.
Kevin was known for his deep religious faith, celebrating his Russian Orthodox beliefs. He was an avid fan of the New York Jets and USC Trojans, and had a passion for gardening. Kevin enjoyed spending time at the beach and cherished the annual family trips to Long Beach Island with his cousins. He was particularly fond of his dog, Beckley, and valued the time he spent with his family.
The circumstances surrounding Kevin's death were tragic and shocking.
On August 31, 2023, Pennsylvania State Police at Wilkes-Barre and Jackson Township police responded to a 911 call at a residence on Chase Road in Jackson Township. The caller, identified as John James Kilpatrick, Kevin's 33-year-old brother, reportedly told the dispatcher, "I killed my brother".
When authorities arrived at the scene, they found John Kilpatrick waiting in the driveway of the residence. Inside the home, they discovered Kevin Kilpatrick's body. He had been fatally shot. John Kilpatrick was immediately taken into custody and charged with criminal homicide in connection with his brother's death.
Following his arrest, John Kilpatrick underwent a psychological evaluation. Several weeks after being taken into custody, a psychologist determined that he was incompetent to face the criminal homicide charge and unable to assist his attorney, Robert M. Gamburg of Philadelphia. As a result, Luzerne County Judge David W. Lupas deemed John Kilpatrick incompetent to stand trial.
In light of this evaluation, John Kilpatrick, now 34, was ordered to be sent to Norristown State Hospital near Philadelphia for mental health treatment. His attorney filed a petition for this commitment, which was not opposed by First Deputy District Attorney Chester Dudick. Judge Lupas granted the request, with plans to re-evaluate John Kilpatrick's mental health in approximately two months.
As of October 2024, court records indicated that a plea agreement was in progress for John Kilpatrick, who was referred to as the "fratricide homicide suspect". The case continues to move through the legal system, with the mental health and competency of the accused playing a significant role in the proceedings.
The tragic death of Kevin Kilpatrick and the subsequent arrest of his brother have deeply affected the Shavertown community. Kevin is survived by his parents, grandparents Alan and Marilyn Kilpatrick, several aunts and uncles, and his cousins Kyle, Michael, and Sara White, as well as Elizabeth, Rebecca, and Lynn Cherchia.
