In the early morning hours of July 24, 2022, the life of 20-year-old Brandon LaKeith Wilson was tragically cut short in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Lured to the Cedar Park Apartments, Wilson was fatally shot. The Jonesboro Police Department began a homicide investigation after responding to what was initially reported as a suspicious vehicle accident.
The investigation quickly identified a suspect, 27-year-old Keyonte Wilbourn.
An arrest warrant for first-degree murder was issued for Wilbourn, who had fled the state following the shooting. A coordinated effort between law enforcement agencies led to his apprehension in Chicago, Illinois, by the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Fugitive Task Force and the Chicago Police Department.
Wilbourn was extradited back to Craighead County to face legal proceedings. In a trial where no eyewitnesses came forward, the prosecution built its case on powerful forensic evidence. A Craighead County jury convicted Keyonte Wilbourn of first-degree murder. Due to a prior felony conviction, Wilbourn faced an enhanced sentence. The jury recommended a 55-year sentence for the murder and an additional 15 years for the use of a firearm, to be served consecutively for a total of 70 years. Because of his criminal history, he is not eligible for parole and must serve the entirety of his sentence for the murder conviction.
