SHE LURED HER HUSBAND INTO A DEATH TRAP. NOW, SHE WILL SPEND DECADES BEHIND BARS.

A Utah woman who lured her husband from California to be killed by her family will spend decades behind bars.

Fourth District Court Judge Roger Griffin sentenced Kathryn Restelli to 1 – 15 years in prison for the shooting death of her husband, 42-year-old Matthew Restelli, in 2024. To avoid a trial and a lengthy sentence, Restelli pleaded guilty to murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

On July 12, 2024, the defendant had lured her husband to Utah under the false pretense of fixing their marriage after Restelli discovered Matthew Restelli intended to return their children to their family home in California. As a result, Restelli conspired with her mother, Tracy Grist, and her brother, Kevin Ellis, to kill him upon arrival.

"Your children are victims of your actions. They'll be lifetime victims of your actions, and they deserve to grow up without you in your life, in their lives," said Griffin, reported FOX 13.

According to prosecutors, upon Mathew Restelli’s arrival at Grist’s American Fork Home, where the victim was instructed by his wife to open the door, which was unlocked. Upon making entry, Ellis shot his brother-in-law to death while Restelli was in a bedroom in the home. Initially, Restelli and her family claimed the shooting was in self-defense, but investigators believed there was foul play. During the processing of the crime scene, authorities noticed the knife in Matthew Restelli’s hands seemed to have been placed there in a strange way after he was shot in cold blood.  

Restelli later admitted to authorities that she conspired with her mother and brother.

"Someday, I hope you understand the depth of your actions — but that will never bring Matt back. You stripped me of his presence. Your children will never experience this incredible father as they grow into adulthood. Like Matt, I had done nothing to you to deserve this level of betrayal. Matt's death has created a massive hole in my heart," said Matthew Restelli’s mother, Diane Restelli, during the sentencing hearing, according to KSL.com.

The judge sentenced Restelli to an additional 5 years to life in prison for the charge of felony discharge of a weapon. In addition, the defendant was ordered to have no contact with her children.

Restelli’s mother and brother are still awaiting trial.