On Thursday, July 31, 2025, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a welfare check at 204 2nd Avenue in Earling, Iowa. Upon entering the residence, deputies discovered 32-year-old Theresa Kenkel deceased inside the home. The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, immediately began investigating the circumstances surrounding her death. Kenkel’s body was transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
On Friday, August 1, 2025, authorities arrested two individuals in connection with Kenkel’s death. Winston “Joe” Leal was taken into custody on a warrant for first-degree murder, a Class A felony. Leal is currently being held in the Shelby County Jail without bond. Ashley McWilliams was also arrested and charged with accessory after the fact, a Class D felony. Her bond was set at $50,000.
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has stated that they believe this to be an isolated incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the public. The investigation remains active, and authorities are encouraging anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office at 712-755-5026.