A federal jury in Johnstown, Pennsylvania has found Kris Joseph Nevling, 48, of Clearfield, guilty of conspiracy to maliciously destroy property by explosive or fire and possession of an unregistered destructive device. The verdict was announced on August 27, 2025 after four hours of jury deliberation.
According to evidence presented at trial, Nevling and co-defendant Clint Addleman constructed a bomb and placed it inside a package addressed to the victim using her nickname. On October 4, 2019, at around 4:30 a.m., the package containing the bomb was left outside the door of the victim’s first-floor apartment in a multi-unit rental property in Clearfield. Later that morning, the device detonated inside the apartment, resulting in the death of the victim and causing a fire that destroyed the building.
The jury determined that the victim’s death resulted from Nevling’s role in conspiring to maliciously destroy property by explosive or fire.
United States District Judge Stephanie L. Haines presided over the trial and scheduled sentencing for January 7, 2026. The maximum sentence for these offenses is life imprisonment and a fine up to $250,000. Sentencing will be based on federal guidelines considering both offense severity and any prior criminal history.
Nevling’s co-defendant Addleman is set for trial in late October.
Assistant United States Attorneys Maureen Sheehan-Balchon, Shaun E. Sweeney, and Samantha A. Stewart prosecuted this case for the government.
The investigation leading to prosecution was conducted by agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), as well as officers from Clearfield Regional Police Department and Pennsylvania State Police.
“The evidence presented at trial established that, in and around early October 2019, Nevling and co-defendant Clint Addleman aided and abetted each other in the construction and possession of a destructive device—a bomb—which was subsequently concealed inside a package addressed to the victim using her nickname. At approximately 4:30 a.m. on October 4, 2019, the package containing the bomb was dropped off and left outside of the door to the victim’s first floor apartment in a multi-unit rental property in Clearfield. Later that morning, the bomb detonated inside the victim’s apartment, killing the victim and causing a fire that destroyed the building.”
“The jury also determined the victim’s death to be a result of the commission of the offense of conspiring to maliciously destroy property by explosive or fire.”
“Judge Haines scheduled sentencing for January 7, 2026. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of up to life in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed is based on the seriousness of the offenses and prior criminal history if any.”
“Nevling’s co-defendant Addleman is scheduled for trial in late October.”
“Assistant United States Attorneys Maureen Sheehan-Balchon Shaun E. Sweeney and Samantha A. Stewart prosecuted this case on behalf of government.”
“The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives Clearfield Regional Police Department Pennsylvania State Police conducted investigation that led prosecution Nevling.”
