25-Year-Old Charged with Murder Appears in Court

Vernon Kelson accused of killing 21-year-old in Southwest Miami-Dade

Apr. 15, 2026 at 7:34pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single spent bullet casing on a dark, gritty surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing physical evidence from a violent crime scene.A stark, investigative image of physical evidence from a fatal shooting in Southwest Miami-Dade.Homestead Today

A 25-year-old man named Vernon Kelson has been charged with second-degree murder after allegedly gunning down a 21-year-old victim on March 21 near West Guava Street and Homestead Avenue in Southwest Miami-Dade. Witnesses identified Kelson as the shooter, leading to his arrest, and investigators say the street was covered in bullet casings where the victim's body was found.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence and homicides in the Miami-Dade area, which has seen elevated levels of violent crime in recent years. The arrest of a suspect provides some closure for the victim's family, but also raises questions about the factors that may have led to the alleged murder.

The details

According to police, on March 21 Vernon Kelson allegedly shot and killed a 21-year-old victim near the intersection of West Guava Street and Homestead Avenue in Southwest Miami-Dade. Witnesses were able to identify Kelson as the gunman, leading to his arrest. Investigators say the street was covered in bullet casings where the victim's body was found.

  • The alleged murder took place on March 21, 2026.
  • Kelson made his first court appearance on April 15, 2026.

The players

Vernon Kelson

A 25-year-old man charged with second-degree murder for the alleged killing of a 21-year-old victim in Southwest Miami-Dade.

The 21-year-old victim

The individual who was allegedly shot and killed by Vernon Kelson on March 21, 2026 in Southwest Miami-Dade.

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What’s next

Kelson will remain in jail pending his trial for the second-degree murder charge.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the ongoing challenge of gun violence and homicides in the Miami-Dade area, and the importance of thorough investigations and witness cooperation to hold perpetrators accountable.