STEVEN J. DUFFEY | Pennsylvania State Prisoner Incarcerated Under A Sentence Of Death | Was to become the first person executed in Pennsylvania in more than 30 years | Stabbed 19yo Woman to Death 30 Times With A Butcher’s Knife | Stayed

Steven Duffey. Lot of 2 ALS. Pmks: (1) September 22, 2006 and (2) November 6, 2006. SEALED. Content unknown. Pristine.

Murder

In the afternoon of February 17, 1984, the body of Kathy Kurmchak (hereinafter referred to as “Kathy”) was found in the ladies restroom of Genetti’s Manor, a restaurant located in Dickson City, Pennsylvania. Kathy, then age 19, was a waitress at the restaurant. She was found slumped in the corner of the bathroom stall in a pool of blood; she had sustained approximately thirty stab wounds.

A subsequent police investigation revealed that a yellow Chrysler LeBaron was seen parked behind the restaurant that day. Routine questioning of all employees revealed that Steven Duffey, then an employee of Genetti’s Manor, had stopped by the establishment that day to drop off a W-4 tax form. It was determined that appellant (hereinafter referred to as “Steven”) drove a yellow Chrysler LeBaron and the car behind the restaurant was identified as belonging to him.

Steven was then instructed to report to the state police barracks for additional interrogation. He was informed of his Miranda rights, and after being asked to confirm an earlier statement that he had dropped off a W-4 form and gone home to watch TV, he responded. He was informed that there were contradictions in his story, such as the fact that his car was seen behind Genetti's Manor at the time he claimed to be watching TV. Additionally, he was told that the police had a search warrant for his car and were looking for evidence like blood or clothing fibers. Steven then made the decision to provide more detail.

Once more, Steven was given a Miranda warning. Then, in great detail, he described how he pulled up behind Genetti's Manor and entered the eatery. In the office, he discovered Kathy alone. Steven entered the kitchen stealthily and discovered a sizable butcher knife there. Steven returned to the office after tucking the knife into his pants.

He came up to Kathy and asked for cash. He took a few dollars from the tip jar for the coat check, and Kathy produced a few more dollars in her wallet. After saying "come with me for a walk," Steven invited Kathy to follow him to the women's restroom. Kathy was instructed by Steven to approach a stall, unlock the door, and remove her pants. He then confessed his desire to have sex with Kathy.

Steven's proposal received a "no way" response from Kathy. What are you going to do, stab me? she then demanded. Steven stabbed Kathy after removing her watch from her wrist. Don't, don't, Kathy commanded while grabbing the knife in her hands. She began to slide down the bathroom stall wall after Steven stabbed her two or three more times. Kathy started to gasp after Steven stabbed her another five or six times. She was then struck in the throat by Steven. Steven left the building. He drove home after burying the knife in the swamp outside the eatery.

Steven then gave the police a statement in the form of a Q&A. He described how he had delivered his W-4 form to Genetti's Manor that morning. At the time, there were two women there. When he came back later, he discovered one woman was gone. He parked his car at the back of the structure. He believed Kathy had the safe key, so he returned to the restaurant to rob it.

Steven went to the kitchen and found a knife. He walked to the office and stood by the door for about twenty minutes. The urge then came over him to “get it done.” He proceeded into the office and demanded money from Kathy. She gave him three one dollar bills and a handful of quarters from the tip jar, as well as four or five dollars from her purse.

Steven described how he led Kathy to the women's restroom once more. He instructed her to go back. What are you going to do, stab me? she demanded after declining. I'll say yes if I have to, he said. Give me your watch," he continued. He took the knife by the handle and tucked the watch into his pocket. He then displayed how he held the knife, how Kathy attempted to grab it, and how he stuck it into her stomach for the officer taking the statement.

Steven recounted how the first stab wound was beneath Kathy’s breast. She looked at him and said “don’t, don’t.” He stabbed her two or three more times and she began to “creep” down the wall. She slid down and hit the flush on the toilet, and blood began to run out of her into the toilet. Steven further stated: “I then stabbed her around the throat because she was gasping and trying to say something. After I stabbed her near the throat she slid down the rest of the way to the floor.”

"I stood there and felt her face and shirt to see if she was breathing," Steven continued. She continued to breathe. I backed up and left the restroom. She appeared to be gasping for air when I turned to face her again. Everywhere was covered in blood. The remaining portion of Steven's statement described what he did after leaving the crime scene.ⁱ

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