Rural Valley Woman Waives Hearing In Husband's Murder Case

ARMSTRONG CO., Pa. (EYT) — Jennifer Kimberly, a 54-year-old woman from Rural Valley, is facing serious legal challenges following the alleged murder of her husband, David Kimberly, by her stepson, Cody Weiland. On March 18, 2025, she waived her preliminary hearing in front of Magisterial District Judge Kevin Lee McCausland. Five charges against her include hindering apprehension, providing false information to law enforcement, and abuse of a corpse.

According to court documents, the circumstances surrounding David Kimberly's death are alarming. Initially reported missing on September 28, 2024, David was said to have vanished following a dispute with his wife about a potential divorce. While Jennifer Kimberly stated that he left home on September 23, after a heated conversation, evidence suggests a much darker reality.

David Kimberly, 56, was found deceased in a remote area of Jefferson County on October 12, 2024. His disappearance and the subsequent investigation into his death reveal a web of deceit and alleged criminal activity. Jennifer Kimberly initially claimed her husband took a duffel bag, survival knives, and medication with him, but as the investigation unfolded, contradictions emerged.

Upon police discovering David's van concealed by brush on Reefer Hollow Road, suspicion turned sharply towards Jennifer. The van allegedly had its license plate and identification numbers removed and had been painted green in an apparent attempt to hide it. Despite her claims of ignorance regarding its whereabouts, police noted Jennifer’s behavior appeared suspicious. She reportedly expressed shock but also suggested her husband might have parked the vehicle to upset her.

Crucially, detectives discovered her son, Cody Weiland, 33, hiding in the basement of their family home, which contradicted Jennifer's assertions that he was not present. During interrogation, Weiland confessed to shooting David on the same day Jennifer claimed he went missing. As investigators pieced together the events of that day, they revealed that Jennifer assisted her son in covering up the crime.

Weiland's confession indicated that the shooting occurred at a residence located on Reefer Hollow Road. After the incident, he allegedly helped transport David's body to a secluded location in Jefferson County. This admission adds a horrific dimension to the already troubling case, implicating both mother and son in a crime of profound severity.

Reports outline the charges against Jennifer Kimberly, which include:

• Hinder Apprehension/Prosecution-False Info To LEO, Felony 3


• Hinder Apprehension/Prosecution-Conceal/Destroy Evidence, Felony 3


• False Reports — Reported Offense Did Not Occur, Misdemeanor 3


• Abuse Of Corpse, Misdemeanor 2


• Tamper With/Fabricate Physical Evidence, Misdemeanor 2


• Obstruct Admin Law/Other Govt Function, Misdemeanor 2

Following these revelations, Jennifer Kimberly was arrested and subsequently posted a $25,000 cash bail on February 3, 2025. Her case has now progressed to the Armstrong County Court of Common Pleas, but as of yet, no trial date has been established.

Meanwhile, Weiland remains in custody, facing charges including first-degree murder and abuse of a corpse. His preliminary hearing has led to a trial date that is set for April 7, 2025. The legal proceedings against both Kimberly and Weiland paint a grim picture of a family entangled in a tragic event.

The unfolding story has sent shockwaves through the Armstrong County community, raising serious questions about the dynamics within the Kimberly household. As more details emerge, residents have expressed disbelief at the turn of events, wondering how such a tragedy could unfold in their midst.

Authorities continue to seek justice for David Kimberly, whose life was cut short under unsettling circumstances. Investigators are vigorously pursuing every lead to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

The case serves as a grim reminder of the complexities surrounding familial relationships and the sometimes unimaginable lengths individuals may go to protect their loved ones, even in the face of heinous acts.

While Jennifer Kimberly plans to mount a defense as her case moves forward, the specter of her son's alleged actions looms large. The legal system will now play a crucial role in determining the trajectory of both their futures and providing answers to a community reeling from loss and betrayal.