Kierra Brianna Lane, 25, a mother of two, was shot and killed in her Covington, Kentucky home on January 6, 2024. The shooting occurred during a custody exchange with the children’s father, Mario Payne. Witnesses say that after a brief exchange Payne went to his car, retrieved a pistol, and opened fire. Lane was struck just inside the front door as she reportedly tried to close the door, collapsed in the common hallway, and was pronounced dead at the scene. Her two young children were in another room at the time.

Mario Payne was identified as the suspect and was later taken into custody in Louisville. He faces a murder charge and a charge of illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Payne reportedly said the gun discharged accidentally multiple times while he was handing it to Kierra. A community GoFundMe was set up to help with funeral expenses and to provide for her children.

If anyone witnessed the custody exchange or has information about what happened that afternoon, please come forward.