In the late hours of a March night in Norfolk, Virginia, a story of love and life tragically ended in violence. Morgan Bonita Bazemore, a 23-year-old woman, was shot and killed on March 12, 2021. A vibrant young woman with a passion for competitive cheering in high school, she was remembered by loved ones for her love of life and fashion. She had built a life for herself in Norfolk, working at several places including DTLR, Walmart, and the customer care center at CVS Corporate.
On that
fateful night, Morgan was not alone. Her mother, 52-year-old Alicia Ann Hereford, was with her in the parking lot of the Hunter's Square Apartments on Goff Street. In a horrific turn of events, both mother and daughter were fatally shot. It is believed that Alicia, who had a career as a social worker and had managed an emergency shelter program, died trying to protect her daughter.
The man responsible for this devastating act was identified as Kenyatta Ferrell Jones, Morgan's 29-year-old boyfriend. The shooting was captured on a witness's dash camera, providing crucial evidence for the investigation. Jones was arrested the week following the shooting and initially faced two counts of second-degree murder and gun charges. The case, however, faced potential dismissal as key eyewitnesses were reluctant to testify.
Ultimately, Kenyatta Jones pleaded guilty to two counts of voluntary manslaughter. In July 2023, he was sentenced to eight years in prison, with an additional 12 years suspended. The conditions of his suspended sentence include having no contact with the Bazemore family, eight years of good behavior, and an indeterminate period of supervised probation.
