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Search warrant reveals details about a fatal shooting in Shelby County last week

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August 5th, 2025 by Ric Hanson

EARLING, Iowa — A search warrant obtained by Omaha TV station KETV, revealed new details about a murder that took place in Shelby County last week. The incident happened Thursday, in Earling. According to the search warrant, 34-year-old Winston Leal and Theresa Kenkel were fighting when Leal grabbed a gun, shooting Kenkel. She died from her injuries. The warrant said Leal claimed Kenkel shot herself.

The documents state Leal and Ashley McWilliams drove to Council Bluffs, Iowa, then reported the shooting. Authorities arrested Leal for first-degree murder. He was denied bond. A judge held McWilliams on $50,000 bond for an accessory charge.