A tragic incident unfolded in West Palm Beach, Florida, last week when an 18-year-old woman was fatally shot by her ex-boyfriend while she was on a video call with her friends. The victim, Kelvi McCray, was shot multiple times in the head, neck, and back by 19-year-old Keisean Shaw in the residence they shared. Shaw is believed to have subsequently taken his own life.
The incident was reported by McCray’s mother in a frantic 911 call. A neighbor also called 911 after hearing gunshots from the house. The neighbor recounted rushing to the house but being unable to enter until McCray’s mother let them in, at which point they found McCray on the floor.
The murder-suicide took place around 9:45 p.m. on March 6, in a house located in the Lake Mangonia neighborhood near Gaines Park. According to a police report, McCray was having dinner and video chatting with three friends when Shaw entered and shot her. One of the friends on the call was able to provide a quick identification of the shooter to the police.
When the police arrived at the scene, both McCray and Shaw were still alive. They were rushed to St. Mary’s Medical Center, where McCray succumbed to her injuries later that night. Shaw died the following day. Prior to his death, Shaw was charged with first-degree murder.
Shaw was known to the police and was wanted for aggravated assault with a firearm and domestic battery by strangulation. The night before the fatal incident, Shaw had reportedly pointed his gun at McCray. Despite attempts to apprehend him, Shaw managed to evade the police.
Authorities revealed that McCray and Shaw had recently ended their relationship. Despite the breakup, Shaw continued to live in the same house as McCray due to a lack of alternative accommodation. The two had known each other for five years and had been in a relationship for over a year.
McCray was known as a model, stylist, and influencer, with a particular interest in event videos and food vlogging. Her Instagram account gained several thousand followers following her death. Her uncle, Ricky Aiken, described her as intelligent and beautiful, with a zest for life that continues to inspire.
In a statement to the media, Aiken said that the family would not let Shaw’s actions devastate them, as that would be letting him win. He emphasized the importance of remembering McCray for the person she was, rather than the tragedy that befell her.