ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Kala Elaine Fralick, 28, pleaded guiltyon Monday, November 4 to voluntary manslaughter for stabbing and killing Dustin Lee Burwell, 30.
Buncombe County Superior Court Judge Alan Z. Thornburg sentenced Fralick to serve an active term of 139 to 179 months in the North Carolina Department of Adult Corrections.
In the early morning of September 27, 2023, Asheville Police Department officers responded toa call for assistance with a stabbing near Smokey Park Highway.
The Buncombe County District Attorney’s office recounts the events of the stabbing in a Nov. 5 press release.
First responders located the victim, Burwell. He had multiple wounds to the chest and several people attempted to aid him. Burwell was pronounced dead shortly after the arrival of EMS.
Witnesses told investigators that Burwell lived in a tent nearby with his girlfriend, Fralick. The witnesses said they were walking up to the encampment on foot when Burwell approached them and said Fralick had stabbed him.
Witnesses also reported seeing Fralick fleeing the scene and she did not attempt to help Burwell.
Further investigation revealed that Burwell and Fralick were in an intimate relationship for several years, and both struggled with addiction.
The district attorney’s office said Burwell was accepted to an inpatient treatment program out of state and intended to end the relationship to pursue treatment.
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Investigators believe Burwell’s desire to end the relationship served as the precipitating event leading to his stabbing.
During the court hearing, Fralick read a prepared statement indicating that she regretted stabbing Burwell. She also stated that Burwell was intoxicated and aggressive at the time and she acted in self-defense.
For anyone experiencing intimate partner violence, contact law enforcement or the Family Justice Center at 828-250-6900.
For anyone struggling with substance abuse, contact the Justice Resource Center at 828-250-6401.