A Kalamazoo man has been convicted for his role in a 2021 home invasion that left one man dead. Isaiah Jacole Willhite, 23, was found guilty on charges of felony murder, first-degree home invasion, armed robbery, and three counts of felony firearm, as reported in a statement by the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS). Following a jury trial, Willhite's sentencing has been scheduled for August 15.
The incident, which occurred on June 26, 2021, resulted in the death of 33-year-old Gerryon Kye, who was shot multiple times by assailants during an armed robbery at his residence on N. Rose Street. According to police, the attackers were two masked individuals. While one suspect, Willhite, has been apprehended and is now facing sentencing, the second suspect remains at large. In a statement obtained by WWMT, KDPS Captain Danielle Guilds expressed relief at the conviction, stating, "This conviction brings long-awaited justice for Mr. Kye and his loved ones."
Leading up to the fatal shooting, court documents showed that Gerryon Kye's cousin, Anthony Pratt, had admitted to police that he scammed Willhite of some marijuana a week prior. Pratt told officers that he had met up with Willhite, who demanded his money back and wrongfully implicated Kye as being responsible, as per a report by WZZM13. Further investigation revealed a grim prelude: two months before the murder, Kye's brother was shot nine times in the same house but survived; authorities have stated they do not believe the two shootings are connected.
KDPS is earnestly appealing to the public for assistance in locating the second suspect involved in this tragic case. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the KDPS Criminal Investigations Division or submit anonymous tips through the Silent Observer tip line or "P3Tips" app. As Captain Guilds told WOODTV, "While nothing can undo the loss, we hope this verdict offers a measure of peace to those who have waited so long for answers."
