In the early hours of May 13, 2023, 39-year-old Kendael Latrail Chimmey Ford was found dead of an apparent gunshot wound at the Dayton Park Apartments in Dayton, Texas. Law enforcement responded about 3 a.m. and opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

By May 14, authorities had identified 18-year-old Dayton resident Kenbriq Rashaun Ty Hubert as a suspect. An arrest warrant was issued and Hubert turned himself in; he was booked into the Liberty County Jail on murder charges with bond set at $1 million. Officials continued to interview witnesses and collect evidence to determine motive and what led to the shooting; no further details about the investigation or additional arrests have been released.

Ford was remembered by family and friends as the life of the party and was a member of Turkey Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Liberty, Texas. Funeral services were held May 27, 2023; he is survived by his parents, siblings and several children. If anyone has information about what happened that night at Dayton Park Apartments, please come forward.