In the early hours of October 26, 2015, a dispute in a Royal Oak, Michigan home culminated in the shooting death of 28-year-old Kenith Tyran Walter of Madison Heights. Walter was shot multiple times in the torso inside a residence on Fern Street. Despite being transported to Beaumont Hospital by a third individual who was present at the scene, he succumbed to his injuries later that morning.
The man responsible for the shooting was identified as Kirk David Leach, who was 27 at the time of the incident.
Following the shooting, the Royal Oak Police Department quickly launched an investigation, which led to Leach's arrest later the same day. He was subsequently charged with open murder and possession of a firearm by a felon. During legal proceedings, details emerged about the moments leading up to the fatal encounter. Testimony from Leach's girlfriend, who was also present, suggested that an argument had erupted after Walter made a derogatory comment about Leach's sister. This verbal altercation escalated, resulting in Leach firing his weapon at least five times.
Kirk David Leach's case proceeded to trial in Oakland County Circuit Court. His defense attorney argued that Leach had acted in self-defense against Walter, highlighting Walter's own criminal history. In June 2016, a jury found Kirk David Leach not guilty of the murder charge. The verdict concluded the legal proceedings surrounding the death of Kenith Tyran Walter.
