In the early morning hours of December 11, 2022, the life of 25-year-old Jaylen Alexander Curlee, a Black/African American male, was tragically cut short in Evansville, Indiana. Curlee, a father known for his love of basketball and fishing, was fatally shot in the 1500 block of Judson Street. He had relocated to Evansville from Cleveland, Ohio, where he was born on September 10, 1997.
After attending Bosse High School, he pursued training in welding and carpentry and was employed at Sunrise Coal Company.
The events leading to Curlee's death began to unfold just after 4:00 a.m. when Kentar R. Collins, a 23-year-old Evansville resident, arrived by vehicle at a residence on Judson Street. A female resident of the home, whom Collins knew, came outside to speak with him. Curlee, who was also at the residence, walked out to the driver's side of Collins' vehicle. An interaction between Curlee and Collins ensued, which tragically ended with several shots being fired from the driver's side of the car. Curlee was struck by multiple gunshots and, despite life-saving efforts, succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Following the shooting, Collins fled the scene in his vehicle. The Evansville Police Department quickly identified him as a person of interest. On December 13, 2022, accompanied by his attorney, Kentar R. Collins turned himself in to the authorities. After being questioned by detectives, he was arrested and booked into the Vanderburgh County jail on a charge of murder.
The legal proceedings that followed were complicated by significant media attention. An attempt to seat a jury for Collins' trial resulted in a mistrial due to the extensive media coverage. In a later development, Collins pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated battery and a felony firearm sentencing enhancement, which led to the dismissal of the felony murder charge. However, Jaylen Curlee's family and supporters petitioned the court to reject the plea agreement and proceed with a jury trial. The court ultimately reinstated Collins' original 'not guilty' plea, and the legal battle continues.
