Kelly Lawson, a 36-year-old woman from Fort Worth, Texas, was tragically murdered on June 19, 2018. In the days leading up to her death, Kelly was in the process of obtaining a protective order against her ex-boyfriend, Jaime Brown. According to a Fort Worth Police Department report, Jaime Brown had previously threatened to kill Kelly and had slashed her tires. On June 15, 2018, Kelly was kidnapped by Jaime Brown.
In the early hours of the next day, Kelly attempted to escape from Jaime at an intersection in the Overtown Woods area of Fort Worth. Evidence at the scene suggested that Kelly fought for her life, as her clothes were ripped, indicating that someone was forcing her to stay. Her topless body was discovered by neighbors later that morning.
Jaime Brown, a 38-year-old man from Longview, Texas, was arrested and charged with capital murder for the death of Kelly Lawson. He was apprehended in Longview and provided a statement to investigators admitting that he had shot Kelly. Brown is currently being held in the Gregg County jail with a bond set at $150,000. The motive for the murder has not been elaborated upon by the police, but it is known that Kelly and Jaime were previously in a relationship.
Kelly's family hopes that her death will draw attention to the issue of domestic violence and encourage others to seek help in escaping abusive situations. Lacy Hensley, Director of Intake and Client Services at One Safe Place in Fort Worth, emphasized the importance of obtaining a protective order rather than a restraining order, as police can only arrest an abuser with a protective order. Protective orders are free through the Tarrant County District Attorney's office, but victims must show a history of violence in front of a judge to obtain one.
