JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — A federal jury has convicted 48-year-old Kris Joseph Nevling of Houtzdale for his role in the 2019 bombing that killed 34-year-old Shawna Carlson. The explosion, triggered by a package bomb delivered to Carlson’s residence in Clearfield, resulted in significant destruction, reducing the apartment building she lived in to ruins.
After approximately four hours of deliberation, the jury returned its verdict to U.S. District Judge Stephanie L. Haines, finding Nevling guilty on charges that included possession of an unregistered firearm/destructive device and conspiracy to use explosives to maliciously destroy property leading to death. As the verdict was announced, Nevling appeared visibly frustrated, shaking his head, while a woman in the audience broke down in tears.
The eight-day trial elucidated the tragic events surrounding Carlson’s death. Prosecutors detailed how Nevling and his accomplice, Clint Addleman, 48, of Morrisdale, engineered the explosive device. They claimed it was delivered to Carlson due to an $800 debt she incurred related to a methamphetamine transaction.
Addleman, identified as the primary conspirator, faces separate charges including malicious destruction of property resulting in death and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. His trial is scheduled for October.
Witnesses during the trial included forensic pathologist Harry Kamerow from Mount Nittany Medical Center, who conducted Carlson’s autopsy shortly after the incident. Kamerow testified about the discovery of hard black plastic fragments embedded in Carlson’s body and the surrounding walls, consistent with shrapnel from an explosive device. He indicated that Carlson died prior to the fire, noting the absence of ash or soot in her throat.
Matthew Regentin, a retired agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, described the investigation launched after the explosion. He presented security footage capturing a man placing a sizable box on Carlson’s doorstep in the early hours of Oct. 4, 2019. Regentin and his team had to meticulously sift through the debris for evidence, unearthing pieces of hard plastic that tested positive for explosive residue.
Nevling was represented by attorneys Adam R. Gorzelsky and Brian D. Aston. The prosecution team consisted of U.S. Attorneys Maureen Sheehan-Balchon, Shaun E. Sweeney, and Samantha Stewart. According to a release from the U.S. Western District of Pennsylvania Attorney’s Office, Nevling could potentially face life imprisonment and a $250,000 fine, whereas Addleman could be sentenced to life plus a fine of up to $1 million if convicted.
Following the verdict, Nevling was taken into federal custody and is scheduled for sentencing before Judge Haines on Jan. 7, 2026. Speculation surrounding an appeal from his defense team remains uncertain.
Initially, both Nevling and Addleman were set to stand trial together; however, a request from Addleman’s attorney led to separate proceedings.
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