(Harlan, Iowa) – A woman charged as an accessory in the death of an Earling resident has entered a guilty plea. Online court records show 35-year-old Ashley Elizabeth McWilliams waived her rights and plead guilty, on Friday, October 3rd.

McWilliams had faced a trial that was set to begin November 4th, in connection with the July 31st shooting death of 32-year-old Theresa Kenkel, of Earling. Judge Michael Hooper set her sentencing for Nov. 17th at 9-a.m., in Shelby County District Court.

Another suspect in Kenkel’s death, 33-year-old Winston Joseph “Joe” Leal was charged with First-Degree Murder. His trial is scheduled to begin November 4th.

Both subjects were arrested on August 1st, following the discovery of Theresa Kenkel’s body at a residence in Earling, when Deputies conducted a requested welfare check.