Kumba Mariatu "Marie" Sesay, a 31-year-old aspiring model and radio jockey from Houston, Texas, was tragically murdered on July 3, 2016. Born to immigrant parents from Sierra Leone, Kumba was well-known in her community for her vibrant personality and her work as the host of a popular internet radio show. She was passionate about her career and had dreams of making a significant impact in the world of media.
On the morning of July 3, 2016, Kumba's body was discovered in a ditch near
Southwind Street and Jutland Road, across the street from Jones Futures Academy. She had suffered a single gunshot wound to the head and appeared to have been severely beaten. Investigators noted that Kumba still had her jewelry on, ruling out robbery as a motive. Her identity was confirmed through her fingerprints, and the medical examiner determined that the gunshot wound was a close contact wound with no projectile found.
The investigation quickly led to the arrest of Leroy Stoots, a 43-year-old man with a criminal history. Surveillance footage from a security camera at Jones Futures Academy showed a dark-colored sedan stopping by the side of the road and an individual dumping a body before driving off. This footage, along with other evidence, indicated that Kumba had been murdered elsewhere and then transported to the location where her body was found.
Stoots was arrested without incident by members of the Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force on July 19, 2016. He was charged with murder in connection with Kumba's death. During the investigation, Kumba's family revealed that she had informed them she would be attending a party on the evening of July 2, 2016, and mentioned a bitter ex-boyfriend named David Gabriel. However, Gabriel was not implicated in the crime.
The case drew significant attention, and Crime Stoppers offered a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest. Despite the tragic loss, Kumba's friends and family continue to honor her memory and hope that justice will be served.
Kumba Sesay's death remains a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community vigilance. Her legacy lives on through the impact she made during her short life and the love she shared with those around her.
