In the spring of 2021, on the evening of Sunday, April 18th, the life of 28-year-old DeVante Bell was cut short in Lexington, Kentucky. Bell, a young father, was shot while inside his vehicle in the 1000 block of Pennebaker Drive. Officers responded to a call of shots fired at 7:09 p.m. and found Bell injured. He was quickly transported to the University of Kentucky Chandler Hospital, but tragically succumbed to his injuries.
His death was ruled a homicide, marking the city's 15th homicide of the year.
The investigation into Bell's death swiftly led to a suspect. That same night, police arrested 37-year-old Brandon Carl Munford. He was charged with murder and wanton endangerment. According to the arrest citation, the shooting was intentional and occurred while Munford also had a small child in his own vehicle. The incident reportedly stemmed from an escalating argument between the two men.
Further details emerged, painting a picture of a conflict rooted in domestic issues. Court documents revealed that the shooting happened outside Munford's home. Munford and another witness testified that Bell had a history of domestic violence against a family member with whom he was in a relationship. This history included a prior physical altercation with Munford. On the day of the fatal encounter, Bell was reportedly at the residence, leading to a verbal argument that escalated when Munford returned to the home and found Bell parked outside. A fight ensued, during which Munford shot Bell multiple times.
In July 2022, Brandon Carl Munford pleaded guilty to an amended charge of second-degree manslaughter. The wanton endangerment charge was dismissed as part of the plea agreement. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison. While Munford's defense sought probation, citing a Kentucky law related to victims of domestic violence, the judge denied the request. Following the shooting, the scene was fraught with tension, leading to disorderly conduct arrests unrelated to the homicide itself. Bell's family, grieving their loss, set up a GoFundMe page to help with funeral expenses.
