Kelsey Berreth disappeared on Thanksgiving Day 2018, sparking one of Colorado’s most haunting murder cases. What happened to Kelsey Berreth became a question that gripped the nation as investigators uncovered a chilling betrayal by the man who was supposed to love her. In 2025, the most recent legal decision finally confirmed that her killer will never walk free.
Latest Verified Update
In early 2025, the Colorado Supreme Court upheld the first-degree murder conviction of Patrick Frazee, the fiancé convicted of killing Kelsey Berreth. Frazee had argued that statements he made during a meeting with a Department of Human Services caseworker should not have been used against him, claiming his constitutional rights had been violated. The court disagreed, ruling that the caseworker was not functioning as law enforcement and therefore Miranda warnings did not apply.
As a result, Frazee’s life sentence—life without parole plus an additional 156 years—remains fully intact. This decision effectively closes the door on one of the last significant avenues of appeal and ensures that justice for Kelsey Berreth stands firm.
Background of the Case
The story of Kelsey Berreth is one of love turned into tragedy.
- On November 22, 2018, she was last seen entering a grocery store with her young daughter.
- She was a flight instructor, mother, and engaged to Patrick Frazee, who initially claimed she had broken off the relationship.
- In the weeks following her disappearance, suspicions grew as it became clear Frazee had staged misleading text messages and calls from Kelsey’s phone to make it seem as though she had left voluntarily.
Eventually, investigators uncovered the horrifying truth: Frazee had beaten her to death with a baseball bat inside her own home. Their one-year-old daughter was in a nearby room during the murder.
The Role of “The Other Woman”
Frazee’s mistress, Krystal Lee Kenney, became central to the case. After the killing, Frazee enlisted her help to clean up the crime scene. Kenney admitted to scrubbing away evidence and disposing of items linked to the murder.
Her eventual cooperation with law enforcement provided critical testimony that secured Frazee’s conviction. While many questioned why she participated in the aftermath rather than reporting the crime, her testimony revealed disturbing details of Frazee’s planning and cruelty.
Key Points Summary
A quick recap for readers who want the essential details at a glance:
➤ Kelsey Berreth vanished on Thanksgiving 2018; later confirmed murdered by her fiancé.
➤ Patrick Frazee was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life without parole plus 156 years.
➤ In 2025, the Colorado Supreme Court upheld his conviction, rejecting his appeal.
➤ Justice for Kelsey Berreth is now legally secure, with no further appeals pending.
Frazee’s Appeal and Why It Failed
Frazee’s legal team argued that statements he made to a Department of Human Services worker should not have been admissible. The defense claimed he was effectively under interrogation and therefore entitled to be advised of his Miranda rights.
The court reviewed the situation and concluded that the worker was not acting on behalf of police. Instead, the conversation was part of a child welfare investigation regarding the custody and safety of Frazee’s daughter. Because it was not a custodial interrogation by law enforcement, Miranda protections did not apply.
This ruling reinforced the integrity of the original trial and underlined that no procedural violations had undermined his conviction.
Impact on Kelsey’s Family
For Kelsey Berreth’s family, the 2025 ruling offered a measure of closure. Since 2018, they have endured years of grief, hearings, and appeals while raising Kelsey’s daughter. Knowing that Frazee’s conviction is secure allows them to move forward without the looming fear of a successful appeal or retrial.
The family has remained private throughout the ordeal, focusing on providing a stable and loving environment for Kelsey’s daughter, who will grow up without either biological parent but surrounded by maternal relatives determined to protect her.
The Broader Significance
The Berreth case has highlighted several important issues in the criminal justice system and in society:
- Domestic Violence Awareness: It underscored how abuse and manipulation can remain hidden until it escalates into tragedy.
- Legal Precedent: The 2025 ruling clarified how statements made to child welfare officials can be treated in criminal cases.
- Public Trust in Justice: The affirmation of Frazee’s sentence reassured many that the system worked despite the delays and complexities.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Nov 22, 2018 | Kelsey Berreth last seen alive at a grocery store |
| Dec 2018 | Investigation reveals suspicious phone activity |
| Dec 2018 | Patrick Frazee arrested for murder |
| Nov 2019 | Frazee convicted of first-degree murder |
| 2020 | Sentenced to life without parole + 156 years |
| Early 2025 | Colorado Supreme Court upholds conviction |
Community Memory
Woodland Park, the small town where Kelsey lived, continues to remember her as more than just a crime victim. Vigils, memorials, and private remembrances have kept her spirit alive. For many in the community, the final affirmation of Frazee’s conviction allows them to honor her life without the constant shadow of ongoing legal battles.
What Happens Next
With the Supreme Court ruling, Frazee’s legal options are nearly exhausted. While theoretically he could attempt a federal appeal, the likelihood of success is slim given the strong evidence and multiple court rejections.
Meanwhile, Kelsey’s daughter remains under the care of her maternal grandparents, growing up far removed from the public attention but within a family dedicated to preserving her mother’s memory.
Closing Thoughts
The story of Kelsey Berreth is heartbreaking—a young mother brutally murdered by the man she trusted most. Yet her case is also one of persistence, community strength, and eventual justice. The most recent update in 2025 confirmed that Patrick Frazee will spend the rest of his life behind bars, ensuring accountability for an act of shocking violence.
For those still asking, what happened to Kelsey Berreth, the answer is now complete in the eyes of the law: she was taken too soon, but justice was served.
If you have thoughts on this case or reflections on its outcome, feel free to share your perspective and keep her memory alive.