Khaleel Kimbrough, a 22-year-old African American male from Canton, OH, tragically lost his life on April 10, 2017. His body was discovered around 6 p.m. outside on Economy Court SE between the 1800 blocks of Fourth Street and Fifth Street SE. The cause of death was a single gunshot wound to the chest.
The investigation into Khaleel Kimbrough's death led to the arrest of two suspects: 19-year-old Xavier L. Hatchett and 20-year-old Travonne L. Pounds.
Both were charged with complicity to commit murder. During the trial, Travonne Pounds admitted to firing the shot that killed Khaleel Kimbrough. The events leading up to the shooting involved a confrontation between Khaleel and Xavier Hatchett, which escalated into a physical altercation. Khaleel attempted to use pepper spray on Hatchett, and during the ensuing struggle, Pounds fired the fatal shot.
In December 2017, Travonne Pounds entered a plea agreement with the Stark County Prosecutor's Office, pleading guilty to murder in exchange for a prison term of 15 years to life. As part of the agreement, he also agreed to testify against Xavier Hatchett. However, in January 2018, Hatchett reached a plea agreement as well, in which the murder charges against him were dismissed in exchange for a guilty plea to tampering with evidence. He was sentenced to three years in prison.
Khaleel Kimbrough's family and friends remember him as a loving, kind, and funny young man who brought joy to those around him. His mother, LaDonya Kimbrough-Claybourne, expressed her disappointment in the actions of the suspects and urged them to reflect on their choices. Despite the tragedy, she supported the plea agreements to avoid the emotional trauma of another trial.
The case highlights the devastating impact of gun violence on families and communities, and Khaleel Kimbrough's sister, Alondra Kimbrough, has since urged people to put down their guns and resolve conflicts peacefully.
