Latest news with #KendrickFinch
Daily Mail
19-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Slaying of glamorous Texas realtor takes another shocking turn as her furious family demands answers
Despite being denied a lowered bond by a judge, the man accused of killing a glamorous realtor in Texas has walked free from jail after posting a half a million dollar bond. Kendrick Finch, 34, the Dallas man charged in the death of Ashlee Long, who was shot after Finch became angry after her friend touched the Mercedes Benz Finch was riding in, paid the $500,000 bail while awaiting trial in her case. 'The person who shot that bullet is walking the streets, and that's kind of the problem that we're focused on this week,' Long's stepsister, Gillian Kimber told Fox 4. Dramatic video of the young and blonde woman being shot by Finch was made public at a hearing two weeks ago, when the alleged murderer asked a judge to lower the bond. The judge refused to lower the amount of the bond, however, Finch was able to get the funds to make bail and was released last week. 'I feel like you shouldn't be able to murder someone and get out on bail, and as a family member, to kind of have the possibility of seeing someone like that out in public, I just don't really think it's right or just,' Kimber added. Long, 28, was shot dead on April 5 while visiting Dallas for work. Images from surveillance video show her in downtown Dallas with a handsome mystery man, later identified as William Kistler, at 2:30 a.m. Kistler and Long were crossing the street when Kistler touched a white Mercedes Benz as it drove by. The vehicle stopped on the street and Kistler immediately reached for his gun, which was in Long's purse. While she tried to stop him, Finch who was a passenger in the car, got out handing a gun as well. At that point, Finch started shooting at the pair on a busy street filled with shops, restaurants and apartment buildings, striking Long in the process. Kistler, who was able to fire three shots from his firearm, was also hit - he was taken to the hospital while Finch fled the scene. Finch called police hours later and identified himself as the shooter. However, he didn't turn himself over to investigators until April 18. His defense team has argued he only fired on Kistler and Long out of self defense. 'We know for sure Ashlee Long would be alive today except for William Kistler. William Kistler is the one who started everything that night it showed in the video,' Finch's attorney James Healy stated in court. 'We don't have the toxicology report yet of these two individuals, but I can bet where that's going to end up. 'He's trying to fight random people on the street, and then my client's car - driving by at a normal rate of speed - gets hit.' As Daily Mail exclusively reported, Kistler was also arrested the night of Long's death on charges of being a felon in unlawful possession of a firearm. He previously faced charges of assault causing bodily injury to a family member, burglary of habitation, violation of a bond or protective order, boating while intoxicated and driving without a license, according to public records. He remains in jail on unrelated outstanding warrants. It's unclear how the two knew each other - he does not work in her line of business, and she was engaged to be married to a different man in the Houston area where she lived, according to her online obituary. 'It doesn't surprise me that they charged [Kistler]. He's clearly, in my opinion, carrying a firearm as a convicted felon, but there are other charges that they could have pursued as well that we are going to find out why they did not,' Healy told the Daily Mail on Wednesday. Ashlee graduated in 2019 from the University of Houston with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration 'This all started because of Mr. Kistler's actions. He had a fire arm and is a convicted felon and then the actions led to the death of Ashlee Long.' Described as a successful realtor working in the Houston suburbs, Long was also a bride-to-be, engaged to her high school sweetheart Jacob Underwood, her family wrote in her obituary.
Fox News
18-05-2025
- Fox News
Companion of Texas real estate agent killed in Mercedes dispute has lengthy criminal record
William Kistler, the mysterious 26-year-old companion of the Texas real estate agent who was fatally shot after the pair allegedly brushed against a parked Mercedes, has a lengthy criminal record. According to FOX 4 Dallas, 28-year-old Ashlee Long was leaving a bar in downtown Dallas on April 5 with a group of friends, including Kistler. Dallas police said that Kistler "reached out and brushed his hand along the passenger side of a passing Mercedes as they were walking across the street." Investigators said that 34-year-old Kendrick Finch then exited the passenger side of the vehicle with a gun and opened fire. The affidavit states, according to FOX 4, that Kistler reached into Long's purse and pulled out his gun, and that's when police say Finch opened fire, striking both Long and Kistler. Kistler was able to fire back, but Finch then took off. Finch shot both Long and Kistler, according to police. Long later died from her injuries at the hospital, while Kistler survived. Finch, who has a prior criminal history that includes drug charges and burglary, later turned himself in to authorities. He is currently charged with murder. Kistler was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, a felony. He is being held in the Collin County Jail. On March 7, prosecutors said that Finch fired "at least 8 times." "From the evidence that I see, it is our firm belief that Mr. Finch was the first one to shoot. That he has to own. He fired that gun at least eight times. In a crowded residential-commercial street with cars and people walking all around." Finch's attorney, Dallas County defense lawyer Josh Healy, said in court that the shooting was an act of self-defense and that Kistler "started everything that night." "We know for sure Ashlee Long would be alive today except for William Kistler. William Kistler is the one who started everything that night. It showed in the video. It shows his actions, how he was acting. We don't have the toxicology report yet of these two individuals, but I can bet where that's going to end up. He's trying to fight random people on the street, and then my client's car, driving by at a normal rate of speed, gets hit," Healy said. Healy also emphasized the seven seconds it took his client to exit the vehicle. "He goes over how, during those seven seconds, he says Kistler is trying to get a gun out of Long's purse." "What I do know is my client never gets out of that car except [that] Mr. Kistler is reaching for that gun immediately . . . but if you watch that video, Mr. Kistler, when he's fighting around trying to get that gun and gets it, goes like this towards my client." At that moment, Healy lunged forward in court, acting out what he claimed was visible in the video. "And when he takes those steps towards my client, my client has every right under the law to defend himself," he said. Finch was released on May 13 after posting a $500,000 bond. His release came after a judge denied a motion from his defense team to reduce the bond amount. Long's companion's lengthy criminal history, primarily misdemeanors, was brought to light after he was charged. In April 2018, he was charged with theft of services valued between $750 and $2,500, a case that was ultimately resolved in County Court. Later that year, in November 2018, he was charged with assault causing bodily injury to a family member, another misdemeanor. In March 2019, Kistler was charged with violating a protective order or bond conditions in a domestic violence case, which was also resolved without a felony conviction. In July 2023, he faced another theft charge involving property valued between $750 and $2,500, again concluding with a misdemeanor disposition. In addition to these closed misdemeanors, Kistler is involved in two ongoing legal proceedings. In May 2019, he was indicted by a grand jury for burglary of a habitation—a felony. After a period of inactivity, the case was reactivated and remains pending. In July 2022, Kistler was charged in connection with a vehicle accident that caused at least $200 in damage. That case has also been reopened. Fox News Digital reached out to Kistler's attorney for comment. Henry Long, the father of the victim, released a statement mourning the death of his daughter and calling for Finch to stay in jail. "Ashlee's life mattered. And so does justice," Long wrote on Facebook. "Kendrick Finch must remain behind bars — permanently. "He made the choice to kill. He should not be given the opportunity to walk free and make that choice again." Long said the pain of losing a child is "indescribable." "But to lose her this way — to gun violence at the hands of a stranger — is a trauma no family should have to endure," he wrote. "Kendrick Finch made the choice to take her life. He didn't just end her future — he shattered the lives of everyone who loved her."
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Yahoo
Bond reform: Family of victim in fatal Dallas shooting speaks out after accused killer released
The Brief The family of a fatal shooting victim in Dallas is now advocating for bail reform after her accused killer posted a $500,000 bond. Kendrick Finch is accused of killing Ashlee Long after a confrontation downtown; his defense claims self-defense in the April 5 shooting. Long's family has created a website to urge Texas lawmakers to change bail laws - a topic already under discussion by Gov. Greg Abbott. DALLAS - The family of a fatal shooting victim in downtown Dallas is joining the fight for Texas bail reform after the suspected killer bonded out of jail. Houston realtor Ashlee Long was shot to death while leaving a bar in Dallas on April 5. Now that her alleged murderer has been allowed to post bail, Long's family is joining Gov. Greg Abbott and other bond reform advocates in seeking changes to Texas legislation. The backstory Just last week, a Dallas County judge denied an attempt by 34-year-old Kendrick Finch's legal team toget his $500,000 bond reduced. Finch is accused ofshooting and killing the 28-year-old as she and a group of friends were leaving a downtown Dallas bar shortly after 2 a.m. on April 5. Dallas police say a confrontation began when 36-year-old William Kistler brushed his hand on a passing white Mercedes. The deadly shootout was caught on surveillance along Main Street. The Mercedes stopped almost immediately, and Finch exited with a firearm. Kistler was then seen retrieving a gun out of Long's purse when Finch opened fire. Long later died at the hospital. Kistler was also shot, but survived. A homicide detective testified he believes Finch fired first. However, Finch's defense team argued self defense. Finch has posted bond, and he was released Tuesday. The Latest Long's family knows they are in for a long legal fight. In the meantime, they are using her case as a platform for the topic of bail reform. This comes just days after Long's accused killer posted bond from the Dallas County jail. Long's stepsister created this website, called It's meant as an opportunity for people to write to Texas lawmakers regarding bond reform. What they're saying "Bond reform is something that our family is going to stay on for years. Not only for Ashlee, but for anyone," said Long's stepsister, Gillian Kimber. Long's family is speaking for the first time since her accused killer bonded out of jail. "I feel like you shouldn't be able to murder someone and get out on bail. As a family member, to have that possibility of seeing someone like that in public, I don't think that is right or just," Kimber said. Kimber believes violent offenders should not be granted bond. "The person who shot that bullet is walking the streets. That is the problem we are focused on this week," Kimber said. "We just wanted everyone to know who Ashlee was and what happened that night. And be able to keep up with this legal process we are navigating for the first time," Kimber went on. "I think if we keep this going, it won't just be for Ashlee Long, it will be more for Texas legislature, for bond reform," Kimber said. At a roundtable last week, Gov. Greg Abbott voiced his support for amending the Texas constitution to, in part, restrict bail for those accused of certain violent crimes. RELATED:'That's insanity and it has to stop': Gov. Abbott pushes for bond reform Dig deeper On Friday, Dallas police charged Kistler with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon in connection to the April 5 shooting. He is currently being held in the Collin County Jail for unrelated charges from 2023. Collin County court records show he is being held on charge of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon in connection to the April 5 shooting. He was also previously charged with burglary of a habitation and accident involving damage. Online records show he was brought to the Collin County Jail on April 15. According to court records online, Finch does have bond conditions. This includes an ankle monitor, random drug tests and not possessing a firearm. The Source Information in this article came from the family of Ashlee Long. Information on bond reform came from previous FOX Local coverage.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Yahoo
Justice for Ashlee: Family pushes for bond reform after murder suspect released
HOUSTON - An alleged murderer is back on the streets. The man authorities say shot and killed a Houston-area real estate agent is out on bond. Kendrick Finch was charged with the shooting death of Ashlee Long during a night out in Dallas. What they're saying As Ashlee's family grieves her loss, her step-sister, Gillian Kimber, says it's unbelievable Finch is walking free. "I think it was just crazy that you have the chance of seeing your step-sister's murderer at the gas pump in Dallas and I don't think that's right," said Gillian Kimber, Ashlee's step-sister. "There should be no bond for a murder of this stature and for someone to be able to walk the streets, as a family we were all taken back." What we know To keep Ashlee's story alive, Gillian created a website called Justice for Ashlee. The family says Ashlee was simply at the wrong place at the wrong time and this could have happened to anyone. "Ashlee was a beautiful, sweet, funny, on-the-rise real estate agent, classic Texas girl and this could have been anyone," said Kimber. "We want this platform for people to learn about Ashlee, keep up with her case, because this is going to be a very long road." Ashlee's family says they are doing everything they can to fight for justice. "We want to reach everyone, law enforcement, county officials, Texas legislative," said Kimber. "We want to keep our streets safe. It isn't just about Ashlee. It's about everyone else's daughter and sister too. It's a real issue and I don't understand how Texas, of all places, is going to be one to let criminals walk." FOX 26 put a timeline together of whats investigators say led to this point in the murder case:
CBS News
15-05-2025
- CBS News
Suspect in fatal downtown Dallas shooting of Houston-area real estate agent out on bond
The suspect in the fatal shooting of a Houston-area real estate agent in downtown Dallas last month has been released from the Dallas County Jail, according to jail records. Long Family Kendrick Finch, 34, was released on Tuesday, May 13, after posting a $500,000 bond. His release came just days after a judge denied a motion from his defense team to reduce the bond amount. Kendrick Finch, 34 Dallas County Jail Finch is accused of fatally shooting 28-year-old Ashlee Long as she and a group of friends were leaving a downtown Dallas bar shortly after 2 a.m. on April 5. Long, who was visiting the city on a networking trip, was struck during the incident, which was captured on surveillance video near Main Street, police said. According to an arrest affidavit cited by CBS News Texas, the confrontation began when William Kistler, a man accompanying Long, brushed his hand along the side of a passing Mercedes. Finch, a passenger in the vehicle, allegedly exited with a firearm. Surveillance footage played in court showed Kistler retrieving a gun from Long's purse, at which point Finch opened fire. Both Kistler and Long were shot; Kistler survived, but Long later died at the hospital. Finch's attorney, Josh Healy, has argued that his client acted in self-defense. Long's family described her as a driven and successful real estate agent with a bright future. In an interview with CBS News Texas, her mother, Michelle Long, said, "I feel dead inside. She was my everything. A night out on the town and just being in the wrong place at the wrong time." Finch's trial is scheduled to begin in early 2026.
