In the early evening of February 9, 2020, tragic events unfolded at the intersection of South 5th Street and Compton Street in a south Louisville neighborhood. It was here that 16-year-old Mykhi Brown, a male student from Moore High School, was found lying in the street after multiple gunshots were reported in the area around 5:30 p.m. Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but sadly, Mykhi was pronounced dead from his injuries. The deputy coroner later officially confirmed his identity.
This sudden act of violence left his family, including his mother, Trakesha Brown, and his grandmother, Angela Crenshaw, utterly devastated and searching for answers.
Mykhi was remembered by those who knew him as a good person with a love for basketball and learning. He was a sophomore who played for the Amateur Athletic Union basketball team, Kentucky Culture. Known for his ever-present smile and humorous nature, he was often the life of the party and deeply loved his family, especially his siblings. Community activist Christopher 2X recalled meeting Mykhi at a local library, describing him as a very outgoing and engaging young man with great manners. His sister expressed that her brother was a good person and his family was baffled as to why he was in the area near Churchill Downs where the shooting occurred.
The investigation into Mykhi's death continued for months without any arrests, leaving his loved ones in a state of uncertainty. However, on May 27, 2020, the Louisville Metro Police Department announced a significant development in the case. They arrested 21-year-old Shalae Stewart in connection with the murder. According to the arrest warrant, Stewart, along with an unidentified juvenile accomplice, allegedly fired at Mykhi multiple times. The warrant also stated that after the shooting, Stewart and his accomplice pointed a firearm at an eyewitness.
Video evidence reportedly captured the suspects leaving the scene, and a witness saw them changing clothes and placing their clothes and guns into a backpack. At the time of the shooting, Stewart was on felony diversion. A warrant for his arrest was issued on May 22, and he was taken into custody five days later. Shalae Stewart faced multiple charges, including murder, enhanced possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, wanton endangerment, and tampering with physical evidence. He was subsequently held in Louisville Metro Corrections.
