Kelvi McCray, an 18-year-old resident of West Palm Beach, Florida, was tragically killed by her ex-boyfriend, Keisean Shaw, on March 6, 2024. The incident occurred while McCray was on a FaceTime call with three friends, eating dinner at her home on 13th Street off North Australian Avenue in the Lake Mangonia neighborhood near Gaines Park.
Shaw, 19, who had been McCray's boyfriend for over a year, had recently been living in the same house as McCray despite their breakup in January. He had nowhere else to stay and was reportedly not taking the end of the relationship well. On the night of the incident, Shaw entered the house and shot McCray multiple times in the head, neck, and back. One of the individuals on the FaceTime call witnessed the shooting and later identified Shaw from a photographic lineup.
Prior to the fatal shooting, Shaw had a history of violent behavior towards McCray. He had been wanted on warrants for aggravated assault with a firearm and domestic battery by strangulation. On the night before the murder, Shaw had pointed a gun at McCray and had been involved in a police chase that was terminated due to safety concerns. Despite being on the radar of law enforcement, Shaw managed to return to the house the next night and commit the fatal act.
Both McCray and Shaw were found by police shortly after 9:40 p.m. and were rushed to St. Mary’s Medical Center. McCray succumbed to her injuries about half an hour later, while Shaw died the next day from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Before his death, Shaw was charged with first-degree murder.
Kelvi McCray was remembered by her family and friends as a vibrant and ambitious young woman. She was a model, stylist, influencer, and a cosmetology student who had started her own hairdressing business. Her uncle, Ricky Aiken, described her as "a go-getter" with an entrepreneurial spirit, who was both beautiful and intelligent.
The incident has raised questions about the handling of domestic violence cases by the West Palm Beach Police Department. McCray's mother, Marla McKenny, has expressed concerns that the police did not do enough to protect her daughter, despite her previous calls for help. McKenny and her attorneys are investigating the police response and have filed a public records request, intending to bring a claim against the city if necessary.
