LYNCHBURG, Va. The jury in the trial of Keon Palmer, a Lynchburg man accused of killing 19-year-old Ma'Kayvia Cabell, began deliberating Thursday evening after both the prosecution and defense presented their closing arguments.
Palmer, 22, is facing first-degree murder and use of a firearm in a felony charges in connection with the February 2024 death of Cabell.
The young woman was found dead in a home on Locust Street, having suffered multiple gunshot wounds.
According to authorities, Palmer’s brother was the one who called the police, reporting that he had witnessed the incident.
Testimony during the trial revealed that Palmer and Cabell had been arguing earlier in the morning before the shooting.
Witnesses said Palmer threw cash and a gun at Cabell, instructing her to leave the residence.
One witness testified that Palmer's brother saw Cabell pointing the gun Palmer had tossed at her in his direction before Palmer left the room.
The brother testified that Palmer returned with a different gun, paced around the area, and then shot Cabell multiple times.
The defense, however, argued that Palmer had acted in self-defense, claiming he feared for his life during the incident.
The prosecution disagreed, presenting the argument that when Palmer shot Cabell, she was unarmed, holding only her phone and a taser.
In closing arguments, the prosecution asserted that Palmer's actions were premeditated and malicious, while the defense claimed Palmer had the right to use force in his home to protect himself, even if that force resulted in death.
The defense also pointed to Cabell’s alleged mood disorder, claiming Palmer was scared for his safety.
However, the prosecution countered, pointing out that Cabell had been invited to Palmer’s home and questioning the defense's argument about self-defense, given that Palmer had tossed a loaded gun to her.
The prosecution also noted that Palmer had allegedly threatened to kill Cabell multiple times in the hour leading up to the shooting.
After hearing both sides, the jury began deliberating at 6 p.m. Thursday. At 7:30 p.m., the jury decided to resume deliberations on Friday morning.
The community remains on edge as the jury continues to consider the case, with the outcome expected to bring closure to the events surrounding Ma'Kayvia Cabell’s tragic death.