Martell Derouen, 34, known professionally as Kardone, was found dead in his San Antonio apartment on January 26, 2021. He was shot in the head. Martell was a rapper and producer and is described as a cousin of Beyoncé.

The investigation led to the arrest of 21-year-old Sasha Skare of Austin, who was Martell’s girlfriend. At trial she testified she had taken his handgun during an argument and that the gun accidentally discharged when she returned to the apartment to retrieve her belongings, striking Martell through the door. Prosecutors presented surveillance footage showing her walking through the apartment complex with the gun shortly before the body was found and noted a 911 call in which she identified herself as Martell’s wife. The prosecution argued she lured Martell to the door and shot him.

In September 2023 a jury found Sasha Skare guilty of murder and she was sentenced to 55 years in prison. Martell is remembered by family and the music community as a talented artist and a loving family man. If anyone knew Martell or has information about the case, please share what you remember.