Red Wing Man Sentenced to Life Without Parole for First-Degree Murder
HASTINGS, MINNESOTA—A jury has convicted Kyle Steven Williams, 35, of Red Wing, Minnesota, on all charges related to the brutal murder of 36-year-old Kelly Jo Marie Kocurek. Williams was found guilty on four counts, including first-degree murder while committing domestic abuse with a past pattern, premeditated first-degree murder, intentional second-degree murder, and first-degree assault resulting in great bodily harm.
The conviction follows a five-day trial and less than a day of jury deliberation. On November 19, Judge Dannia Edwards imposed the mandatory sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
The Tragic Events
The case dates back to May 18, 2021, when Hastings police responded to a 911 call from Williams at a local hotel in Hastings, Minnesota. Officers found Kocurek unresponsive on the floor of the room with visible signs of trauma, including bruises, blood on her face, and ligature marks around her neck. Cords were found nearby, some of which appeared to have been cut.
Kocurek was rushed to Regions Hospital, where she remained in a coma for five days before succumbing to her injuries. An autopsy conducted by the Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed her death was a homicide caused by asphyxia due to ligature strangulation, alongside severe head trauma and bilateral jaw fractures.
Williams’ Inconsistent Accounts
During the investigation, Williams claimed Kocurek had attempted to strangle herself, stating he had to cut cords from around her neck to save her. However, forensic evidence contradicted his statements. The medical examiner determined that Kocurek’s injuries were not consistent with self-harm but were indicative of violent assault.
Witnesses provided crucial details. A hotel employee reported hearing sounds resembling a struggle shortly before Williams, bloodied and shirtless, ran to the front desk to call 911. Kocurek’s mother, who had last seen her daughter in good spirits earlier that day, was devastated by the news.
The trial highlighted a pattern of domestic violence perpetrated by Williams against Kocurek, leading to the enhanced charge of first-degree murder while committing domestic abuse.
Justice Delivered
Dakota County Attorney Kathy Keena expressed gratitude to law enforcement and prosecutors for their diligent work on the case. “Today, justice was rightly served as Mr. Williams will now be held accountable for his continued acts of domestic abuse that culminated in the violent murder of Kelly,” Keena said. “While no outcome can ever fully heal the wounds of this heartbreaking incident, I hope today’s verdict brings some peace and comfort to Kelly’s family and loved ones.”
Support for Domestic Violence Victims
This case underscores the devastating consequences of domestic violence. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, help is available. Contact Day One, a statewide support network for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking in Minnesota, at 866-223-1111 or text 612-399-9995.
Williams begins his life sentence immediately, ensuring he will never again pose a threat to the community.
Written by: Will Wight
