Kilgore and Bre Shawn MaloneDouble Homicide: St. Hebron; Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office Investigates Double Homicide of Kenwan Kilgore and Bre Shawn Malone, Leaving Community Reeling”
Overview of the Incident
The St. Hebron community in Gadsden County, Florida, is mourning the tragic loss of two young men, Kenwan Kilgore, 20, and Bre Shawn Malone, 26, who were fatally shot early Friday morning. The Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) is investigating the shooting, which occurred in the 1700 block of Post Plant Road shortly after midnight. Deputies responded to a report of gunfire and discovered Kilgore and Malone at the scene with fatal gunshot wounds.
Despite the rapid response of law enforcement, the victims were pronounced dead on-site. While the investigation is ongoing, authorities have identified a person of interest but have yet to make any arrests. The motives and circumstances surrounding the deadly encounter remain unclear.
Remembering Kenwan Kilgore and Bre Shawn Malone
Kenwan Kilgore: A Young Life Full of Promise
Kenwan Kilgore, 20, was known for his warm personality and aspirations to achieve great things. A recent high school graduate, he had begun working at a logistics company and was making plans to pursue further opportunities. Friends and family remember him as an ambitious young man with a contagious smile.
“Kenwan was a light in our lives,” said his mother, tears streaming down her face during an interview. “He was always dreaming big and working hard to make those dreams come true. He loved his family deeply and was the glue that held us together.”
Kilgore’s friends shared memories of his sense of humor and unwavering loyalty. “He was the kind of friend you could call at 2 a.m., and he’d show up,” said a childhood friend. “This world didn’t deserve to lose someone like him so soon.”
Bre Shawn Malone: A Devoted Father and Hardworking Provider
Bre Shawn Malone, 26, leaves behind two young children who were his pride and joy. Known in the community as a skilled mechanic, Malone worked tirelessly to provide for his family. His friends and family described him as dependable, kindhearted, and deeply devoted to his role as a father.
“Bre Shawn’s kids were his everything,” said his sister. “He was always talking about giving them the life he never had. He worked so hard for them, and he was so proud of everything they did, no matter how small.”
Malone was also a mentor to younger men in the community, often offering guidance and encouragement. “He was like a big brother to so many of us,” said a neighbor. “He taught us about hard work, respect, and looking out for each other.”
The Investigation: Piecing Together the Puzzle
Authorities from the GCSO, with assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), have launched an intensive investigation into the double homicide. Deputies responded to the scene shortly after receiving reports of gunfire. Witnesses described hearing multiple shots, but specific details remain sparse.
Sheriff Morris Young has pledged a thorough investigation, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation. “We are determined to uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice,” he said in a statement.
Investigators are pursuing several leads and have identified a person of interest. However, they have not yet disclosed the individual’s identity or connection to the victims. The circumstances surrounding the shooting—whether it was a targeted attack, a robbery, or an escalation of a dispute—remain undetermined.
Lt. Angela Thomas, the lead investigator, acknowledged the challenges of the case. “This is a tight-knit community, and we know someone out there has information that could break this case open,” she said. “We urge anyone with even the smallest piece of information to come forward.”
Community Reaction: Grief and Outrage
The loss of Kenwan Kilgore and Bre Shawn Malone has sent shockwaves through St. Hebron. Residents describe the community as typically peaceful, with violent crime being rare. The sudden violence has left many grappling with fear and anger.
“This isn’t the kind of place where things like this happen,” said a longtime resident. “We’re all heartbroken, and we need answers.”
Local clergy and community leaders have stepped in to provide support. Reverend Michael Carter of St. Hebron Baptist Church led a candlelight vigil Friday evening, drawing a crowd of hundreds. “We are here to honor Kenwan and Bre Shawn and to stand together as a community,” Reverend Carter said. “We will not let violence define us.”
Calls for Justice and Community Involvement
The GCSO has emphasized the importance of community cooperation in solving the case. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Big Bend Crime Solvers at 850-574-TIPS (8477). Rewards are being offered for information leading to arrests.
“Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case,” said Sheriff Young. “The families of Kenwan and Bre Shawn deserve justice, and we cannot achieve that without the help of our community.”
Exploring Potential Motives
While the investigation is in its early stages, authorities are exploring several theories, including personal disputes, gang activity, and robbery. Neither Kilgore nor Malone was known to have a history of violence or criminal activity, leading investigators to question whether they were deliberately targeted or victims of a tragic misunderstanding.
Criminologist Dr. Eleanor Hart weighed in on the challenges of solving such cases in rural areas. “Smaller communities often have fewer resources for investigating major crimes,” she explained. “However, the close-knit nature of these areas can also be an advantage, as people are more likely to come forward with information.”
A Community in Mourning and Seeking Solutions
In the wake of this tragedy, local leaders are calling for proactive measures to address violence and support at-risk youth. Schools and community organizations have announced initiatives to provide counseling services and mentorship programs.
“This isn’t just about what happened to Kenwan and Bre Shawn,” said County Commissioner David Wilson. “It’s about ensuring that no other family has to go through this kind of pain. We need to come together to find solutions.”
Moving Forward: Honoring the Lives of Kenwan and Bre Shawn
As the investigation continues, the families of Kenwan Kilgore and Bre Shawn Malone are focusing on honoring their loved ones’ legacies. Memorial funds have been established to support their funeral expenses and provide for Malone’s children.
“Kenwan and Bre Shawn were more than victims,” said a family spokesperson. “They were sons, fathers, brothers, and friends. We will remember them for the love and joy they brought into our lives, not the way they were taken from us.”
Community members are encouraged to attend upcoming forums and vigils to show solidarity and work towards a safer, more united St. Hebron.
How to Help
To support the families of Kenwan Kilgore and Bre Shawn Malone, donations can be made to the Gadsden County Community Foundation. Contributions will go directly toward funeral costs and financial assistance for the victims’ families. For more information, contact the foundation or the Gadsden County Sheriff’s Office.
