A man has been found guilty on all counts in connection with a deadly shooting that took place at Sikeston Rotary Park.
Scott County Prosecutor Don Cobb confirmed that a jury convicted Kaleb Ramsey of Morehouse on multiple charges, including second-degree felony murder, armed criminal action, three counts of first-degree assault, and four counts of unlawful use of a weapon.
The case dates back to April 2023, when officers from the Sikeston Department of Public Safety responded to reports of gunfire at Rotary Park on Industrial Drive. Upon arrival, officers discovered a Chevrolet Malibu pulled over on the side of Malone Avenue near Pine Street. Inside the vehicle were three individuals: a woman in the front seat with injuries, a man in the back seat also injured, and a juvenile in the back seat.
An 18-year-old man was later pronounced dead at a hospital, while an 18-year-old woman sustained life-threatening injuries. Authorities determined that the shooting stemmed from a dispute between multiple individuals on social media, which escalated into violence at the park.
At the time of his arrest in 2023, Ramsey was 18 years old. Following a thorough investigation and legal proceedings, the jury found him guilty of all charges.
The verdict brought a sense of justice to the family of the victim, 18-year-old Isiah Fitzgerald, who was shot and killed during the incident. His mother, Nyisha Fitzgerald, expressed her emotions in a statement shared with Heartland News. She thanked God for guiding the jurors in reaching their decision, acknowledging the difficulty of coping with her son’s absence. While she felt some relief from the ruling, she also extended sympathy to Ramsey’s grandparents, recognizing the pain they would endure following his sentencing.
She also mentioned Tanner Watkins, another individual believed to have been involved, stating her belief that he should also be held accountable for his actions.
Authorities continue to stress the dangers of social media disputes escalating into real-world violence. The case serves as a tragic reminder of the lasting impact such incidents have on the victims’ families and the community.
