On a tragic day in late summer, Thursday, August 27, 2026, the life of 43-year-old Jason Heith Kelly of Braymer, Missouri, was cut short in his own home. Jason, a man known for his kindness, humor, and welcoming personality, was found deceased alongside his life partner, Steven Stoll. The couple had built a life together filled with love and laughter, and Jason, who had a passion for cosmetology, had returned to his Missouri hometown in 2020 to be closer to his cherished family. He was a beloved uncle, son, and brother, who found joy in the simple things like music, traveling, and tending to his plants and flowers. The peaceful life he had cultivated was shattered when emergency services were called to a residence on Route D near the Plymouth community following a report of a shooting.
Upon their arrival at approximately 5:45 p.m., authorities discovered two adults who had suffered apparent gunshot wounds. Investigators at the scene located multiple spent rifle casings, pointing to a violent end to Jason and Steven's lives. The investigation quickly focused on a member of Jason's own family, his brother, Kegan Kelly. Family members informed law enforcement that Kegan had recently made violent threats against one of the victims. It was also revealed that one of the victims had sought an Order of Protection against Kegan due to these threats, indicating a history of fear and intimidation that preceded the fatal incident.
Law enforcement located and took Kegan Kelly into custody at his residence. A protective sweep of his home uncovered a rifle of the same caliber as the shell casings found at the murder scene. During an interview with investigators, Kegan Kelly admitted to going to his brother's residence armed with the rifle. He offered a strange explanation for his actions, claiming he was influenced by voices and frightened by "white orbs." Following his confession, Kegan Kelly was charged with two felony counts of first-degree murder and is currently being detained pending further court proceedings. This tragic case of familicide cut short the lives of Jason Kelly and his partner, leaving a community to grapple with the shocking loss and the disturbing circumstances that led a man to allegedly kill his own brother.
