Homicide charges filed in Pennsylvania after female found dead in hotel

McKean County, Pa. (WJET/WFXP) — A gruesome scene was discovered by police at the Midtown Motel in Port Allegany while following a tip in the search for a missing person.

The investigation led police to the unnamed victim’s ex-boyfriend, identified as 27-year-old Brian Kuchinka, who was said to be staying at the Midtown Motel since the end of the relationship with the victim.

According to McKean County DA Stephanie Vettenburg-Shaffer, Allegany Police Department officers were at the motel following a tip in a missing person investigation. Police were attempting to make contact with Kunchinka, who was known for staying at the motel since earlier this month.

Citing the complaint, the DA said that officers heard a single gunshot from the room followed by the smell of gunshot residue. Allegany police alongside State Police quickly formed a perimeter, and soon PSP was able to make phone contact with Kuchinka.

Eventually, police were able to get Kuchink to exit the room, after which he was seen with a handgun on his person. He was found to be suffering from an apparent self-inflicted head injury and was taken to an out-of-state hospital for treatment.

The DA continues saying that law enforcement obtained surveillance footage that allegedly showed Kuchink entering the motel carrying what appeared to be the female’s body from a small SUV.

That female, who has not been identified at this time, was found deceased in the room suffering an obvious head injury, consistent with that of a gunshot wound.

Brain Kuchinka is now facing charges including Criminal Homicide, four counts of aggravated assault, and three counts of reckless endangerment. As of February 23, Kuchinka is still awaiting his preliminary hearing.

The investigation is ongoing, and investigators are asking for the public’s help in this investigation. Police are also seeking information regarding a reported disturbance that occurred in the parking lot of Costa’s Supermarket in Smethport on February 21st between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.

Anyone with information about this case or the disturbance is asked to contact Pennsylvania State Police-Lewis Run at (814) 368-9230 or 911.