Alexandria Woman Pleads Guilty In National Park Fatal Shooting

ALEXANDRIA, VA — An Alexandria woman pleaded guilty Tuesday in a fatal shooting in a national park hundreds of miles from home.

Prosecutors say Chelsea Perkins, 35, traveled to Ohio to meet Matthew Dunmire, whom she was previously acquainted with. On March 6, 2021, they visited the Terra Vista Natural Study Area, a hiking trail in Valley View, Ohio within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. During an off-trail hike, Perkins used a loaded gun she brought to shoot Dunmire in the head, prosecutors say. The victim died in the shooting.

Investigators linked Perkins to the fatal shooting using GPS data, DNA, social media and phone records, and ballistics analysis. A search warrant carried out at her home found three pistols, including one in a purse with Perkins' identification.

Perkins pleaded guilty to murder in the second degree and using or carrying and discharging a firearm during, and in relation to, a crime of violence on federal property. If a plea agreement is accepted, Perkins could face 20 to 25 years in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 9.

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