LYNCHBURG, Va.(BTW21) The trial of 22-year-old Keon Palmer, charged with the first-degree murder of 19-year-old Ma'Kayvia Cabell, commenced on Monday.
The case has sent shockwaves through the community, with many still reeling from the brutal killing that occurred nearly a year ago.
Cabell's lifeless body was discovered in a home on Locust Street, where she had been shot multiple times.
Following a brief manhunt, Palmer turned himself in to authorities. He now faces charges of first-degree murder and firearm offenses related to Cabell's death.
As the trial began, multiple witnesses took the stand to recount the events surrounding Cabell's tragic demise.
Her social worker testified that Cabell had been living at Palmer's mother's house on and off and was in the process of securing her own residence.
However, tensions between Cabell and Palmer were evident, with his brother testifying that the two had argued on the morning of her death.
Social media messages exchanged between the pair revealed a disturbing pattern of threats and intimidation.
Palmer allegedly told Cabell to leave and threatened to kill himself if she didn't comply.
He also sent messages threatening to kill her and expressing his desire not to have her attend his funeral.
Video evidence presented in court showed Palmer throwing money at Cabell and ordering her to leave just before the incident occurred.
His brother testified that he saw Palmer discard some of Cabell's belongings outside, including shoes, a purse, and crutches that she desperately needed at the time.
The prosecution's narrative took a dramatic turn when Palmer's brother recounted how Cabell had pulled out a gun and pointed it at Palmer.
However, he claimed that Palmer left the room only to return with his own firearm.
Despite his pleas for them to "stop arguing and put the guns away," Palmer allegedly shot Cabell multiple times.
The emotional toll on Cabell's family was palpable as they listened to these harrowing details unfold in court.
Her godmother, Chimere Slaughter, fought back tears as she expressed her desire for justice for her beloved godchild.
"She meant a lot to many people and still does," Slaughter said. "It's very hard to sit in court and look at the person who is accused of doing such a horrible act to someone that you love."
As the trial continues this week, expected to last at least two days, Slaughter vowed that Cabell would not be forgotten.
She remembered her as "a bright star whose light got burned out too soon." The community remains gripped by this senseless tragedy, eagerly awaiting justice for Ma'Kayvia Cabell and closure for her grieving family.
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