On August 20, 2020, a 30-year-old Black/African American woman named Rena Gurley was tragically killed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The incident unfolded in the early morning hours, just before 5 a.m., near the intersection of 27th Street and Auer Street on the city's north side. Gurley had been out for the night and was walking in the area when a vehicle began to follow her.
Surveillance cameras from multiple locations captured the disturbing events leading up to her death.
The footage showed a vehicle swerving in a manner that suggested an attempt to cut her off. The occupants of the car seemed to be searching for someone, specifically an African American female. After circling the area, the vehicle pulled over near where Gurley was standing on a corner. Two men with long dreadlocks exited the car and walked towards her. One of the men, later identified as Kendell Towns, was seen with a firearm tucked into the front pocket of his shorts. Shortly after, five gunshots were reported by a ShotSpotter alert. Gurley was found at the scene, having suffered eleven gunshot wounds from four separate bullets.
The investigation into Rena Gurley's death led authorities to Kendell Towns, a Milwaukee man. The vehicle used in the crime was registered to his girlfriend, and his fingerprint was discovered inside. Investigators also found paperwork bearing his name and a handgun holster in the car, and a magazine for a. 40 caliber handgun at his home. His girlfriend informed police that he had returned home a little over an hour after the shooting occurred.
Kendell Towns was arrested and charged with first-degree intentional homicide and possession of a firearm by a felon. He was subsequently found guilty of the homicide charge. A judge sentenced him to life in prison for his role in the death of Rena Gurley. He will be eligible for parole consideration after serving 30 years of his sentence.
