Johnstown, Pa. — The trial of a Houtzdale man accused of involvement in a deadly bomb explosion in Clearfield will commence Monday, with jury selection taking place in the U.S. District Court presided over by Judge Stephanie L. Haines. Kris Joseph Nevling, 48, faces federal charges including possession of an unregistered explosive device and conspiracy to intentionally destroy property using explosives.
The charges stem from an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, alongside state and local law enforcement officials. Court documents allege that Nevling collaborated with his drug supplier, 48-year-old Clint Addleman from Morrisdale, to construct a bomb that tragically killed 34-year-old Shawna Carlson on October 4, 2019.
Carlson was found dead in her apartment following an explosion caused by a device disguised as a gift left on her doorstep. Wrapped to resemble a birthday present, the package bore her nickname and a message that read, “Sorry so late.” Investigators ruled the explosion responsible for causing her death.
Addleman, currently serving a state prison sentence for drug offenses, is also charged in connection with the incident, facing additional allegations of malicious destruction of property resulting in death. The judge has decided that Nevling and Addleman will be tried separately, with Addleman’s trial scheduled for October.
Nevling’s defense team asserts that he was not involved in the creation of the bomb. The attorneys for Nevling, Adam R. Gorzelsky and Brian D. Aston, have indicated their intention to contest the prosecution’s claims vigorously. Meanwhile, U.S. Attorneys Maureen Sheehan-Balchon, Shaun E. Sweeney, and Samantha Stewart will represent the government.
Prosecutors have outlined a narrative suggesting that Addleman, an established drug dealer, became angry with Carlson for failing to pay about $800 for methamphetamine he allegedly provided her over the summer of 2019. Testimony and social media evidence are expected to depict Addleman’s threats toward Carlson, which was also witnessed by Nevling.
The prosecution argues that Addleman enlisted Nevling’s help in assembling the bomb, rewarding him with drugs and cash following its completion. Recent pretrial hearings have allowed the prosecution to introduce evidence showing the victim’s fear amid the volatile circumstances surrounding her relationship with Addleman. Friends of Carlson reported her expressing deep terror and concern for her life.
While the defense did not oppose many of the prosecution’s requests for evidence, it raised concerns regarding the potential impact of graphic photos and videos related to the explosion. Nevling’s legal team argued that the government exaggerated the value of such evidence, which they believe could unfairly sway the jury. However, Judge Haines has ruled that these images will be permissible during the trial.
Jury selection is slated to begin at 9 a.m. on Monday, setting the stage for a case that has garnered significant attention due to its tragic implications and the serious charges involved.