A man faces a first-degree murder charge after officials said he allegedly strangled his girlfriend to death in Chester County, Pennsylvania.
According to the Chester County District Attorney’s Office, a criminal complaint said that Kevin Reza-Gonzales, 20, of Coatesville, called 911 around 11 a.m. on Aug. 2, 2026, after reporting thoughts of self-harm.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.
Officers of the City of Coatesville Police Department then found Reza-Gonzales in the area of Chester Avenue and East Lincoln Highway, the criminal complaint said. That’s when he informed the officers that he and his girlfriend argued and he choked her.
Officers then conducted a welfare check at the victim’s home and found her dead, lying on her bed with bruises and injuries to her neck, according to the criminal complaint. An investigation revealed that Reza-Gonzales strangled his girlfriend to death earlier in the morning.
Reza-Gonzales was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, third-degree murder, and strangulation, officials said. He has been remanded to Chester County Prison without bail.
His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 12, 2026.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), visiting www.thehotline.org or texting LOVEIS to 22522.
“Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones as they face this unimaginable loss. While no prosecution can undo this tragedy, we will get justice for the victim and her family,” Chester County District Attorney Christopher de Barrena-Sarobe said in a news release.
City of Coatesville Police Lieutenant Rodger Ollis shared, “The victim’s grieving family and loved ones should know that we are dedicated to holding her killer accountable and will continue to partner with the Chester County Detectives throughout the duration of this case. To anyone experiencing domestic violence, please know that help is only a phone call away. The Domestic Violence Center of Chester County is available 24/7/365 and can be reached at (888) 711-6270.”
