On June 17, 2023, 28-year-old Arely Mejia-Hernandez was found fatally shot inside her vehicle in the tree line at the edge of Riverside Park in Battle Creek, Michigan. Officers nearby reported hearing gunshots around 1:20 a.m.; medical personnel pronounced Mejia-Hernandez dead at the scene.

Investigators identified 31-year-old Tramayne Brown as a suspect and said evidence included more than 400 Snapchat messages that pointed to a pattern of domestic violence between them. Authorities also say Brown allegedly kidnapped Mejia-Hernandez in April 2023 during her work break; she was rescued from a wooded area and Brown fled, leaving an outstanding warrant at the time of the June shooting.

Brown was located about a week after the shooting in Georgia, returned to Michigan, and charged with murder and kidnapping. His record includes prior convictions for domestic violence and home invasion dating back to his teens. If anyone knew Arely or has information about her last movements, please come forward.