On January 25, 2024, at approximately 10:25 a.m., Santa Monica Police Department officers responded to reports of gunshots in the 2600 block of 29th Street in Santa Monica. Upon arrival, they discovered 46-year-old Los Angeles resident and music producer, William James "BJ" Edwards III, seated in his parked vehicle, suffering from critical gunshot wounds. Edwards was immediately transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
Witnesses at the scene provided descriptions of a female suspect seen fleeing the area. Utilizing this information, detectives swiftly identified and apprehended 27-year-old Kayla Denise Mackey in West Los Angeles the following morning. Mackey, who was experiencing homelessness at the time, was found to be connected to additional crimes in Los Angeles, including an armed robbery and an attempted homicide. On January 30, 2024, the District Attorney filed a murder charge against Mackey for the homicide of Edwards, along with charges related to the other incidents.
The motive behind Edwards' shooting remains under investigation. Santa Monica Police Chief Ramon Batista commended the department's dedication and professionalism in swiftly bringing the suspect into custody, emphasizing the city's commitment to public safety and intolerance for violent crime. Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock expressed condolences to Edwards' family and friends, acknowledging the profound impact of the tragedy on the community and lauding the police department's prompt actions in apprehending the suspect.
Edwards was a well-known figure in the music industry, having collaborated with artists such as Travis Scott and Lil Cobaine. His untimely death has elicited an outpouring of grief from colleagues and fans alike. A GoFundMe page was established to support his family, particularly his two young sons, during this difficult time.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Edwards' death is ongoing. Authorities continue to seek information to understand the events leading up to the shooting. Community members with relevant information are encouraged to contact the Santa Monica Police Department to assist in the investigation.
