Judge finds Port Allegany man guilty of 1st‑degree murder
A judge has convicted Brian KUCHINKA of Murder in the 1st Degree for the February 21, 2025 killing of K‑Leigh Hill‑Nelson after surveillance video, phone and social-media records, and witness testimony linked him to the crime.
On August 26, 2026, a McKean County judge found Brian KUCHINKA guilty of Murder in the 1st Degree for the February 21, 2025 death of Port Allegany resident K‑Leigh Hill‑Nelson. Trooper Whitney Boshart and investigators presented surveillance video, cellphone location data, social-media access records, and witness testimony showing KUCHINKA followed Hill‑Nelson, abandoned his car, was later seen in her vehicle, and carried her body into a motel room where she was found shot; KUCHINKA had pleaded guilty to causing her death and abuse of a corpse but did not admit intent. District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg‑Shaffer credited extensive police work for securing the conviction and noted support resources for domestic violence victims.