Antonio Jamal Kelly, a 33-year-old man from Charleston, S.C., faces charges of murder and possession of a firearm during a violent crime in connection with the January 10, 2026, shooting death of 28-year-old Ashlyn Burkett in West Ashley.​
Incident Details
Police responded to Tripe Street around 12:30 a.m. on January 10, finding Burkett in a vehicle with multiple gunshot wounds; she was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators determined the shooting targeted Burkett specifically and was not random, with evidence from a subsequent search warrant and the department’s DNA lab providing key leads.​
Arrest Timeline
Kelly was initially located during a search warrant execution on Tripe Street and detained on an unrelated domestic violence warrant. On January 15, Charleston Police Warrants Unit, aided by U.S. Marshals, arrested him in Jacksonville, Florida; he awaits extradition to South Carolina.​
Relationship Context
Authorities confirmed Kelly and Burkett had a prior romantic relationship, raising concerns about intimate partner violence. Resources like the National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233) are recommended for those affected.​
Investigation Status
The case remains active; tips can be submitted to Charleston Police at 843-720-2422 or www.charleston-sc.gov/tips.[2]
