On October 19, 2007, the promising life of 22-year-old JeTannue Kool-Aide Clayborn, a Black/African American male, was tragically cut short in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Clayborn, a burgeoning music producer, was discovered deceased alongside 21-year-old singer Yolanda "LaLa" Brown inside his recording studio, Loud Enuff Productions, situated near 55th and Lisbon Avenue.
The cause of death for both individuals was determined to be gunshot wounds.
The initial investigation into the double homicide suggested that the perpetrator or perpetrators were likely known by the victims, as there were no signs of forced entry into the studio. Surveillance footage from the studio captured one of the victims opening the door for the killer, who then fled just two minutes later. This detail has led investigators to believe the attack was targeted. Days before the murders, the studio had been burglarized, with recording equipment being stolen, a fact that remains a point of interest in the ongoing investigation.
For years, the case remained cold, leaving the families of Clayborn and Brown in a painful state of uncertainty. However, in July 2016, a glimmer of hope emerged when the Milwaukee Police Department announced they had a person of interest in custody. This individual was being held in another state on unrelated charges. Despite this development, which was based on ballistic and behavioral evidence, no formal murder charges have been filed against the suspect. Prosecutors have cited that the evidence, while compelling, remains largely circumstantial, pending further forensic analysis.
As of today, the murders of JeTannue Clayborn and Yolanda Brown remain officially unsolved. The Milwaukee Police Department continues to encourage anyone with information to come forward, as the families hold onto hope for justice and closure. The community periodically gathers for vigils to remember the two young artists whose lives were so violently extinguished on the cusp of their dreams. A reward has been offered for information that leads to an arrest, a standing plea for the piece of evidence that will finally solve this long-standing case.
