Tracey Grist murder conspiracy
Tracey Grist was sentenced on June 10, 2026, to 15 years to life for her role as the "mastermind" in the murder of her son-in-law, Matthew Restelli, with the judge expressing grave concerns about her potential for future harm. As of June 16, 2026, Grist received maximum consecutive penalties, including one to 15 years for conspiracy and 15 years to life for murder. Her daughter, Kathryn Restelli, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to at least seven years to life, while her son, Kevin Ellis, was previously sentenced to 15 years to life for the murder on March 31, 2026. Evidence during Grist's trial included cell phone searches related to the Adelson family and the timing of Restelli's arrival, and her daughter testified that the murder plan began as a "joke" but Grist insisted on proceeding.
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June 2026 — 2 developments
Tracey Grist sentenced to life for role in son-in-law's murder conspiracy
Tracey Grist was sentenced on June 10, 2026, to maximum consecutive penalties, including one to 15 years for conspiracy and 15 years to life for murder. The judge expressed grave concerns about her potential for future harm. Her daughter, Kathryn Restelli, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to at least seven years to life in prison.
Tracey Grist sentenced to 15 years to life for murder and conspiracy in son-in-law's death
Tracey Grist was sentenced to 15 years to life for her role as the "mastermind" in the plot to kill her son-in-law, Matthew Restelli. Her daughter, Kathryn Restelli, pleaded guilty to reduced charges and agreed to testify against her brother and mother.
April 2026 — 6 developments
Tracey Grist's cell phone searches presented at son's murder trial
Evidence of cell phone searches by Tracey Grist, related to the Adelson family and the timing of Matthew Restelli's arrival, was presented during the trial of her son, Kevin Ellis. Ellis has been convicted of murdering Restelli and sentenced to 15 years to life.
Kevin Ellis's recorded statements admitted in mother's murder trial after he invoked Fifth Amendment
Recorded statements by Kevin Ellis were admitted as evidence in his mother Tracey Grist's murder trial on April 16, 2026, after he invoked his Fifth Amendment right. Ellis had previously been sentenced to 15 years to life for the murder of his brother-in-law, Matthew Restelli.
Kevin Ellis invokes Fifth Amendment in mother's murder trial
Kevin Ellis invoked his Fifth Amendment right and refused to testify in his mother Tracey Grist's murder trial. His sister, Kathryn Restelli, testified that the plan to kill her husband began as a "joke" but Grist insisted on proceeding.
Tracey Grist's Murder Trial Begins, Accused of Conspiring in Matthew Restelli's Death
The trial for Tracey Grist, mother of Kevin Ellis, began on April 14, 2026, with prosecutors stating she is charged with criminal conspiracy and murder in connection with the death of Matthew Restelli. Her defense claims Ellis is solely responsible for shooting Restelli seven times upon his arrival at Grist's home.
Tracy Grist Charged in Son-in-Law Matthew Restelli's Murder
Tracy Grist, mother of Kevin Ellis and Kathryn Restelli, is now facing charges in connection with the murder of her son-in-law, Matthew Restelli. Her daughter, Kathryn Restelli, has pleaded guilty to murder and conspiracy for her role in luring the victim to the home where he was killed by her brother, Kevin Ellis, who has also been found guilty of murder.
Kevin Ellis Sentenced to 15 Years to Life for Brother-in-Law's Murder
Kevin Ellis was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for the murder of his brother-in-law, Matthew Restelli, on March 31, 2026. During his sentencing, a jailhouse call was played where Ellis admitted, "I still bear so much of the blame for all of this. I should have said no." His sister, Kathryn Restelli, who lured the victim to the home, was previously sentenced to 1-15 years.
March 2026 — 1 developments
Kevin Ellis sentenced to 15 years to life for brother-in-law's murder
Kevin Ellis was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for the murder of his brother-in-law, Matthew Restelli, on March 31, 2026. Ellis was previously convicted of murder, obstruction of justice, and domestic violence in the presence of children.
February 2026 — 1 developments
Federal prosecutors subpoena Philadelphia agencies in Ellen Greenberg death probe
Federal prosecutors are reportedly issuing subpoenas to Philadelphia agencies, including the police department and the Medical Examiner's Office, as part of an investigation into potential corruption, obstruction of justice, and evidence tampering concerning the death of Ellen Greenberg. This probe follows 15 years of the family seeking answers regarding her death.
January 2026 — 6 developments
Prosecutors argue Kevin Ellis murdered brother-in-law Matthew Restelli in planned ambush
During closing arguments on January 30, 2026, prosecutors argued Kevin Ellis murdered his brother-in-law, Matthew Restelli, in a planned ambush, stating Restelli was shot seven times, including in the back. Kathryn Restelli testified that she lured her husband to her mother's home as part of a plan to kill him, and described hearing her mother and brother discuss placing a knife in her husband's hand after the shooting.
Utah jury convicts Kevin Ellis of murdering brother-in-law, rejects self-defense claim
A Utah jury has convicted Kevin Ellis of murdering his brother-in-law, Matthew Restelli, rejecting his self-defense claim. Ellis was found guilty of murder, obstruction of justice, and domestic violence in the presence of a child. However, he was acquitted of conspiracy to commit murder. Sentencing is scheduled for March.
Kevin Ellis convicted of murdering brother-in-law Matthew Restelli
A jury found Kevin Ellis guilty of murdering his brother-in-law, Matthew Restelli, on July 12, 2024. Ellis was also convicted of obstruction of justice, domestic violence in the presence of a child, and gun possession, but acquitted of conspiracy to commit murder. His sister, Kathryn Restelli, pleaded guilty to murder and conspiracy charges and was sentenced to 1-15 years.
Detective Joseph Nordon testifies, presents text message evidence in case
Detective Joseph Nordon, the lead detective in the case, testified, presenting evidence including text messages between Kevin Ellis and Tracy Grist.
Kevin Ellis' sister Kathryn Restelli admitted discussing murder plot during cross-examination
During Kevin Ellis' murder trial, his sister Kathryn Restelli faced cross-examination regarding her testimony about a murder plot, admitting to discussing it with Kevin and their mother, Tracey Grist. Another sister, Rachel Jorgensen, testified that their mother was involved in the plot to murder Matthew Restelli. Kevin Ellis was convicted of murder, obstruction of justice, and domestic violence in the presence of a child.
Kathryn Restelli testifies against brother, admits role in husband's murder plot
Kathryn Restelli testified against her brother, Kevin Ellis, admitting to her role in the plot to murder her husband, Matthew Restelli. She stated that the family had discussed the plan and taken steps to prepare for Restelli's arrival, including placing an AirTag on his truck.
July 2024 — 2 developments
Kevin Ellis Arrested for Matthew Restelli's Shooting Death, Claims Self-Defense
Kevin Ellis was arrested following the shooting death of Matthew Restelli. He maintained that he acted in self-defense.
Kevin Ellis fatally shoots brother-in-law Matthew Restelli in American Fork
Kevin Ellis shot and killed his brother-in-law, Matthew Restelli, at the home of Ellis's mother in American Fork, Utah. Restelli had arrived with the intention of reconciling with his wife, Kathryn Restelli, and bringing their children back to California.