Mark D. Redfield remains in custody without bail as he awaits sentencing for fatally shooting his domestic partner last year.
VENANGO CO., Pa. (EYT) — An Oil City man accused of fatally shooting his domestic partner last year has pleaded guilty to third-degree murder. Sentencing is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.
According to court documents, 62-year-old Mark D. Redfield pleaded guilty to murder of the third degree on October 2 in the Venango County Court of Common Pleas.
Redfield had previously been charged with criminal homicide, which was changed to murder of the first degree when new information was presented to the court on August 21, 2023. A charge of murder of the third degree was added on October 2.
As part of Redfield’s plea negotiation, the first-degree murder charge was dismissed.
Sentencing is scheduled for Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at 1:30 p.m., before President Judge Matthew T. Kirtland in Courtroom #1.
Redfield has been lodged in Venango County Prison since May 25, 2023, with bail denied.
Details of the case:
Redfield allegedly shot 40-year-old April Michelle Dunkle during a domestic dispute at his home on May 24, 2023.
According to Venango County Coroner Christina Rugh, Dunkle died from a gunshot wound to the head.
When officers from the Oil City Police Department arrived, Redfield reportedly told them “she was running her mouth.” During later interviews, he allegedly admitted to shooting Dunkle out of anger, saying she was verbally abusive to him. He did not check on her well-being after the shooting, instead calling 9-1-1 to report an “accidental shooting,” according to court records.
A criminal complaint filed by the Oil City Police Department said officers at the scene found Redfield sitting at the kitchen table with a 30-06 rifle. Dunkle’s body was found nearby.
Redfield was charged with criminal homicide, a first-degree felony, and was denied bail by then Magisterial District Judge Matthew T. Kirtland, citing flight risk and great presumption guilt as deciding factors. He remains in the custody of the Venango County Prison.
On July 6, 2023, Redfield was held for court following a preliminary hearing in Venango County Central Court. He later waived his arraignment in the Court of Common Pleas.
Chief Public Defender Jeffrey Misko is Redfield’s court-appointed counsel. First Assistant District Attorney Kyle Peasley represents the Commonwealth.
Recent Articles
Community Partner