Plea agreement reached for fratricide homicide suspect

An open plea agreement for John James Kilpatrick regarding the fatal shooting of his brother, Kevin Matthew Kilpatrick, was recently amended from third-degree murder to voluntary manslaughter. Luzerne County Judge David W. Lupas presented and accepted the revised plea offer on a status conference held on Friday.

The incident occurred on August 31, 2023, when John Kilpatrick fatally shot his 30-year-old brother inside their home on Chase Road. Following the shooting, John called 911 and waited for the police to arrive, during which he claimed that his brother had intended to kill him. He was subsequently arrested and initially charged with an open count of criminal homicide.

In October, a plea agreement was reached between assistant district attorneys and John Kilpatrick's attorney allowing him to plead guilty to third-degree murder. However, during the recent court session, First Assistant District Attorney Anthony Ross announced the updated plea agreement to voluntary manslaughter, leading to the cancellation of a scheduled jury trial in April.

The new plea agreement does not specify a recommended sentence, placing the decision solely in the hands of Judge Lupas. The sentencing for John Kilpatrick is set for June 30, during which the potential for an enhancement due to the use of a deadly weapon will also be considered.

This amendment reflects the complexities of the case and the legal negotiations involved, marking a significant development in the ongoing proceedings against John Kilpatrick.