The Lynchburg Police Department has charged a Lynchburg man with second degree murder in connection with a July homicide of a transgender woman.
Kenneth Allen Kelley Jr., 22, has been charged with second degree murder and use of a firearm in a felony in connection with the death of Ebony Morgan, 28, whose legal name was Phineas Rufus Neville.
The police are seeking the public’s help to find Kelley, whose whereabouts are unknown.
Morgan suffered multiple gunshot wounds in a shooting during the early morning hours of July 2 on Rivermont Avenue and was transported to Lynchburg General Hospital, where she later died.
Kelley was named a person of interest in the case a day after Morgan died, and the Lynchburg Police Department later stated Kelley is wanted on drug charges. Police have released few details in this case, including any connection between Kelley and the victim.
A news release from the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney states that Chief Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Bethany Harrison and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Matt Vordermark are assigned to be prosecutors in the case.
Anyone with information as to Kelley’s whereabouts is asked to contact Lynchburg Police Detective A. O. Kittrell by calling (434) 455-6170 or contact Crime Stoppers by calling 1-888-798-5900, visiting www.cvcrimestoppers.org or texting “CVCS” and a message to 274637.
