Keimone Lamar Black, also known as DJ WiFly, was a 29-year-old African American male from Youngstown, Ohio. On the night of June 15, 2022, Keimone was at a gas station with his friend, James Davis, after spending the evening at a couple of clubs where Keimone was DJing. As he was sitting in the driver's seat of his SUV, someone approached the passenger's side window and fired several shots, hitting Keimone multiple times. He was found gasping for breath, wedged between a gas pump and his SUV.
Despite efforts to save him, Keimone succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation led to the arrest of Samuel Byrd, a 69-year-old man, who was charged with aggravated murder, murder, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The trial took place in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court, where Byrd was found guilty of aggravated murder. Visiting Judge Thomas Pokorny sentenced Byrd to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The judge cited video evidence from the gas station and Byrd's prior criminal history, including a murder conviction in Washington, D.C. in 1981.
Keimone's mother expressed gratitude for the verdict, stating that life without parole for her son's death was justice. Byrd maintained his innocence, claiming there were circumstances in the case that never came out. Despite his claims, the jury's decision brought a sense of closure to Keimone's family and friends.
Keimone was remembered as a beloved DJ, football player, and basketball enthusiast who left behind a large family, including his four children and girlfriend. His death was a tragic loss to the community, and the conviction of Samuel Byrd provided some measure of justice for those who loved him.
