Jerome County, ID - Erika Nichole Brock, 42, of Heyburn, and Kevin Nicholas Kuinytzle, 32, of Twin Falls, have been apprehended and are currently in custody at the Jerome County Jail. Both suspects were arraigned on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, according to Jerome County Sheriff George Oppedyk.
The investigation began when the Jerome County Sheriff’s Office responded to a welfare check call for 84-year-old William “Bill” Eakin at his residence on Bob Barton Road on Sunday, September 17th. Concerned friends and neighbors reported not having seen Eakin or his red 2019 Toyota Rav4.
Upon entering the residence, deputies discovered Eakin deceased in his bedroom, having sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the head. His vehicle was also found to be missing.
The abandoned red Rav4 was later located on the side of Golf Course Road. A towing company reported receiving a call from a woman requesting a tow shortly before the discovery.
Detectives, using phone records, identified the caller as Erika Brock. She was contacted by Jerome County Deputies on Tuesday, September 19th, and provided an account of the events involving her and Kevin Kuinztle at Eakin's property.
Kevin Kuinztle was apprehended on eastbound Interstate 86 after his vehicle was spiked by Idaho State Police. He exited the interstate at exit 52 and was arrested approximately a mile down the frontage road on Tuesday afternoon.
Kuinztle, of Twin Falls, is facing charges of First Degree Murder, Two Counts of Concealment of Evidence, Burglary, and Grand Theft. His next hearing is scheduled for October 4th in Jerome County Court. He is currently being held without bond.
Erika Brock, from Heyburn, is charged with Receiving or Transferring Stolen Goods, Concealment of Evidence, and Accessory - Accessory-withholding knowledge. Her preliminary hearing is set for October 4th, and she is presently held on a $75,000 bond.