A Kalamazoo man has been sentenced to a lengthy prison term for a shooting that occurred in November of last year, resulting in a fatality. Laquay Lee Woodford-Paige, 37, is facing between 28 and 60 years for second-degree murder, along with additional sentences for multiple firearm offenses, as reported by FOX 17.
The incident, which transpired on the 800 block of Woodbury Avenue, took a drastic turn when Woodford-Paige discharged two firearms at a group of people, and at houses nearby, witnesses said the suspect fired two guns at a group of people and at houses in the area. One of the casualties was 35-year-old Kemberlyn Dwayne Trotman, who suffered a gunshot wound to the head and was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. In addition to the second-degree murder sentence, Woodford-Paige received three counts of felony firearm sentences tallying 6 years, a 14-30 year sentence for discharging a firearm at a building causing death, and a 5-10 year sentence for discharging a firearm at a building, according to WOOD TV.
Woodford-Paige's arrest and subsequent trial were the result of investigations following reports of shots fired on November 4, 2023. He was arrested five days after the incident on November 9. The jury found him guilty in August, bringing the case to a close nearly a year after the fatal shooting occurred, as per WWMT News.
“We hope this sentencing provides some closure for the family of Mr. Trotman and reinforces our commitment to seeking justice for victims of violent crime,” said Capt. Danielle Guilds of the KDPS in a statement obtained by FOX 17. Guilds emphasized, “We remain dedicated to holding perpetrators accountable and ensuring the safety of all residents. This outcome reflects the diligent efforts of law enforcement, prosecutors, and the community working together to combat gun violence.”
