Kelton Washington, a 27-year-old man from Tallahassee, Florida, was found dead on December 9, 2018, in Gadsden County. His death was the result of a kidnapping and subsequent murder. Washington was reported missing after his family had not heard from him since December 9. The investigation revealed that Washington had rented a room at the Budget Inn on West Tennessee Street in Tallahassee. Security footage showed Washington and a woman entering a room early on December 10.
Later, two men were seen entering the same room and forcibly removing Washington, who was then taken away in a black car.
The investigation led to the arrest of two suspects, Christopher Rumph, 38, and Calandra Cooper, 32. Both were charged with homicide and kidnapping in connection with Washington's death. Cooper initially lied to investigators about her activities on the night of December 10 but later admitted to having a casual relationship with Washington and a dating relationship with Rumph. She revealed that she, Rumph, and a third suspect had traveled to Tallahassee to meet Washington for a drug deal. After the deal, Cooper and Washington went to the Budget Inn, where the kidnapping occurred.
Further details emerged that the motive behind the crime was not robbery but a long-standing dispute between Washington and the third suspect. During the kidnapping, Washington was taken to an area on Strickland Road in Gadsden County, where he was shot multiple times. Cooper stated that she heard yelling and gunshots before Rumph and the third suspect returned to the car without Washington. They threatened to kill her if she disclosed any information about the incident.
Washington's body was discovered two days later, and the investigation continued to seek the third suspect involved in the crime. The case highlighted the violent circumstances surrounding Washington's death and the involvement of multiple individuals in the planning and execution of the kidnapping and murder. The arrests of Rumph and Cooper were significant steps in bringing justice for Washington's family and uncovering the full extent of the criminal activities that led to his tragic death.
