A Harlan woman was sentenced to two-years probation on a deferred judgement yesterday (Monday) after pleading to guilty to helping cover up the shooting death of an Earling woman. According to online court records, 35-year-old Elizabeth Ashley McWilliams plead guilty back in October to accessory after the fact, a class D felony, for aiding 33-year-old Winston Joseph Leal in attempting to conceal his involvement in the death of 31-year-old Theresa Kenkel of Earling. Both individuals were taken into custody on Aug. 1, after authorities discovered Kenkel’s body at her home while requested to conduct a welfare check. McWilliams has been ordered to serve two-years of probation, with a two-year deferred judgement. She was also ordered to pay a $1,025 civil penalty. Leal was sentenced on Oct. 29 to serve 50-years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder, a class B felony, but was given credit for the 89 days previously served in jail in connection to the crime.
