In a heartbreaking turn of events on February 1, 2021, the body of 17-year-old Michael Emon Beasley, a Black/African American male, was discovered by a passerby in Wichita, Kansas. He was found lying in the grass next to an abandoned church at Ninth and Ash, having been shot multiple times. Michael was a student at Southeast High School who was known for his love of basketball.
He was a caring older brother to his younger siblings and a devoted father to his young daughter.
The discovery of Michael's body immediately raised concerns for the safety of his 18-year-old girlfriend, Kaylah Blackmon. Authorities launched a search for her, fearing she might be in danger. Their fears were tragically realized three days later when Kaylah's body was found inside her Ford Escape at an apartment complex in Wichita. She had also been shot, and police believe both teenagers were killed inside her vehicle.
The investigation into the double homicide led police to 22-year-old Dontenize Lamar Kelly. Kelly, who had a prior criminal record and was on probation at the time, was arrested in connection with the murders. While a motive for the slayings was not made public, the investigation determined Kelly's involvement in the deaths of the young couple.
Ultimately, Dontenize Lamar Kelly was charged with the murders of Michael Beasley and Kaylah Blackmon. In October 2022, Kelly pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder. The following month, he was sentenced to 48 years and 10 months in prison for the killings. An additional 35 months were added to his sentence for a parole violation.
