In the pre-dawn hours of February 19, 2025, a tragedy unfolded at a Super 8 hotel on Clark Lane in Columbia, Missouri, that ended the life of 18-year-old Kaidynce Payne, a Black / African American female. Columbia Police responded to calls of gunfire at approximately 1 a.m. and discovered Kaidynce inside a hotel room with a gunshot wound. Despite immediate medical attention, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Known affectionately as 'Bopie' or 'BB' to her loved ones, Kaidynce was
remembered for her vibrant and exuberant spirit. She had a passion for a wide array of activities, from sports like soccer and softball to the creative outlets of theater and poetry. Her family recalled her love for cooking, her eclectic taste in music, and her dream of traveling the world. She was a cherished daughter, sister, and friend, whose kindness and dedication left a lasting impact on those around her.
The investigation into her death quickly led to a suspect, 19-year-old Terell Anthony Fields. He was arrested and faced a slew of charges, including second-degree murder, armed criminal action, unlawful use of a weapon, and tampering with physical evidence. Court documents allege that Fields was present in the hotel room with Kaidynce and two minors when he pointed a handgun at her and fired. Fields has maintained his innocence, claiming he was in the bathroom when the shot was fired.
Evidence recovered from the scene included a black Canik TP9 handgun with a laser sight, which was found buried in the snow near the hotel and had been reported stolen in 2023. Surveillance footage from the hotel reportedly showed Fields fleeing the area after the shooting, only to return a short time before the arrival of law enforcement. Fields was taken into custody and is being held at the Boone County Jail without bond. A grand jury later returned a new indictment, adding two counts of stealing and giving jurors the option to consider charges of second-degree murder or involuntary manslaughter. His pretrial conference was scheduled for January 5, 2026, with a jury trial slated to commence on January 13, 2026.
