Kutztown Borough Police responded to a shooting on Sunday, Nov. 19, and launched a homicide investigation.
A Kutztown woman, Catherine Kriebel, 39, was found dead on her porch, and Gerald Fusner, 50, was found across the street with a gunshot wound. Homicide charges have been filed against Fusner.
Kutztown Police Chief Craig M. Summers reported that police were called to the area of East Main Street and Kemp Street to the apartment that Fusner and Kriebel shared at about 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 19 for a report of a domestic in progress and possibly shots fired.
Upon arrival, police found Kriebel deceased on the side porch of her residence and Fusner was found across the street with a gunshot wound to the neck, according to Summers’ report.
Fusner was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital vial medical helicopter. He is expected to survive his wounds, according to Summers.
On Monday, Nov. 20, District Attorney John T. Adams reported that homicide charges have been filed against Fusner. Charges include Murder of the First Degree, Murder of the Third Degree, Aggravated Assault (2 counts), Possessing Instruments of Crime. Fusner is currently being treated at a hospital for injuries he sustained during this incident.
According to the Criminal Complaint document, witnesses reported that Fusner and Kriebel were heard arguing since 10:30 a.m. that day. Moments before the shooting, Kriebel called someone saying Fusner was out of control and getting guns, that Kriebel had taken the bullets and Fusner hit her in the face. Kreibel was advised to leave and call police. At about 2:30 p.m., witnesses heard Fusner and Kriebel arguing, then heard a loud thud and called 911.
According to the Criminal Complaint document, the autopsy determined that Kriebel died as the result of a shotgun wound to the head and neck.
Kutztown Borough Police were assisted at the scene by Kutztown Ambulance, Kutztown University Department of Public Safety, Kutztown Fire Department, Berks County District Attorney’s Office Forensic Services Unit, and Berks County Coroner’s Office.
