A Pennsylvania man has been arrested more than two years after the death of his wife, after investigators concluded that the fatal shooting was a homicide rather than a suicide.
Anthony Kistle, 45, has been charged with criminal homicide, theft by unlawful taking involving a firearm, and theft by unlawful taking of a motor vehicle in connection with the 2024 death of his wife, 61-year-old Karen Kistle, according to the Pennsylvania State Police.
Fatal Shooting Initially Investigated as Possible Suicide
The case began in May 2024 at the couple’s home on Vandien Court in Dingman Township, a community in Pennsylvania’s Pocono region.
Emergency responders found Karen Kistle suffering from a gunshot wound. She was being prepared for air transport to Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton, but died from her injuries before she could receive further treatment.
Following the incident, state police launched a multi-agency investigation. For a significant period, authorities believed Karen Kistle had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Investigation Leads Detectives to Different Conclusions
After conducting an extensive investigation that included examining physical evidence, interviewing witnesses, and completing forensic testing, investigators reached a different conclusion.
According to the Pennsylvania State Police, the evidence ultimately showed that Karen Kistle’s death was the result of a homicide rather than suicide.
Authorities said the findings from the crime scene, witness statements, forensic examinations, and additional investigative work supported the decision to pursue murder charges against Anthony Kistle.
Arrest Made in Colorado
The investigation remained largely out of public view for more than two years before a breakthrough came this week.
On Tuesday morning, Anthony Kistle was arrested during a traffic stop on Interstate 25 near Castle Pines, Colorado, about 20 miles south of Denver.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation announced that officers detained him as a murder suspect wanted in Pennsylvania in connection with a 2024 homicide.
He is currently being held in Colorado and is expected to be extradited to Pike County, Pennsylvania, where he will face the charges filed against him.
Friends Never Believed the Suicide Theory
Several of Karen Kistle’s friends said they had questioned the original belief that she had taken her own life.
One longtime friend told local media that Karen suffered from carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands after years of working at ShopRite, making it difficult to believe she could have positioned and fired a gun in the manner initially suggested.
The friend also noted that Karen owned her own firearm and questioned why she would have allegedly used her husband’s gun if she had intended to end her life.
Co-Workers Waited Years for Answers
Another friend and former co-worker said many people close to Karen feared the investigation had stalled because little information was released publicly over the past two years.
The friend explained that many of Karen’s loved ones continued hoping investigators were still actively working the case despite the lack of updates.
According to those close to the victim, they had been waiting for justice and were relieved that an arrest had finally been made after the lengthy investigation.
Charges Against Anthony Kistle
Anthony Kistle now faces multiple criminal charges, including:
- Criminal homicide
- Theft by unlawful taking involving a firearm
- Theft by unlawful taking of a motor vehicle
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the alleged motive.
Investigation Continues
Pennsylvania State Police continue to investigate the case as prosecutors prepare for extradition proceedings.
With Anthony Kistle now in custody, the case is expected to move forward in Pike County court, where he will answer to the charges stemming from his wife’s death after investigators determined the shooting was a homicide rather than a suicide.
