Craighead County Jury Convicts Keyonte Wilbourn of First-Degree Murder

JONESBORO, Ark. — Second Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Sonia F. Hagood announced that a Craighead County jury has convicted Keyonte Wilbourn of first-degree murder for the death of 20-year-old Brandon Wilson on July 24, 2022. Circuit Judge Chris Thyer presided over the trial.

At approximately 4:45 a.m. on the morning of the murder, Wilbourn lured Wilson to Cedar Park Apartments at 111 Daybreak Drive, where he fatally shot him. Following the crime, Wilbourn fled to Chicago, where he was apprehended by the Great Lakes U.S. Marshals Task Force.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Due to Wilbourn’s prior felony conviction in Missouri, he faced an enhanced sentencing range. The jury recommended a 55-year sentence for first-degree murder and a 15-year sentence for the use of a firearm, to be served consecutively for a total of 70 years. Because of his criminal history, Wilbourn will not be eligible for parole and must serve 100% of his sentence for the first-degree murder conviction.

“This case was challenging, as no eyewitnesses came forward, but powerful forensic evidence provided the foundation for this conviction,” said Prosecuting Attorney Sonia F. Hagood. “I applaud the tireless work of Craighead County Managing Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Charlene Davidson and Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Katherine Calaway, whose dedication ensured justice for Brandon Wilson and his family.”

Managing Deputy Prosecutor Charlene Davidson expressed gratitude for the support of Wilson’s family throughout the process, adding, “The safety of our residents is the top priority of the Craighead County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. This conviction represents a significant step in securing justice for Brandon Wilson and his loved ones. We remain committed to holding criminals accountable and combating violence in all its forms. I want to thank the Jonesboro Police Department, especially Officer Austin Morgan, and Victim Witness Coordinator Kassie Boles for their unwavering dedication to this case and to the people of Craighead County.”

press release