SMETHPORT — McKean County District Attorney Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer reported Sunday that homicide charges have been filed in the investigation of a woman who was found dead at Port Allegany’s Midtown Motel.
Brian Kuchinka, most recently of Port Allegany, is charged with criminal homicide, aggravated assault – causing serious bodily injury and attempting to cause serious bodily injury, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and recklessly endangering another person.
Port Allegany Police summoned Pennsylvania State Police after officers responded to the motel, following up on a tip in a missing person investigation.
According to Shaffer, Port Allegany officers attempted to contact Kuchinka, who was the missing victim’s ex-boyfriend, known to be staying at the motel after the end of their relationship earlier in February.
The criminal complaint states officers heard a single gunshot from the room and could smell gunshot residue. Police then established a perimeter as state police made telephone contact with Kuchinka. Eventually, police report, Kuchinka came out of his room and was found to be carrying a handgun. He had what police believe was a self-inflicted head injury and was taken to a hospital out of the area for treatment.
The victim’s body was discovered inside the room, Shaffer reported, and police said they obtained surveillance footage that allegedly shows Kuchinka carrying what appears to be her body from a small SUV into his room.
Pennsylvania State Police, Port Allegany Police, McKean County chief detective, the district attorney, coroner and Port Allegany ambulance all responded.
The state police investigation is ongoing and, Shaffer added, police are interested in speaking with anyone who was in the area of Costa’s Supermarket parking lot in Smethport between 9 and 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 21. Smethport Police were dispatched to a disturbance there that they believe could be related to the investigation.
Anyone who may have seen or heard the disturbance, or with any information, is asked to contact Pennsylvania State Police, Lewis Run barracks at (814) 368-9230 or 911.
