News Summary
Lexington police have made significant strides in addressing a recent wave of violence, announcing several arrests related to homicides, including the fatal shooting of Tai’ Maricus Warner. Authorities apprehended Marquise Clark as a second suspect, alongside Phillip McElroy, as efforts to control rising crime in the city ramp up. Police also arrested three individuals connected to a homicide on Chinoe Road. With gun-related homicides at 20 this year, the community hopes for reduced violence and increased public safety.
Lexington, KY – Lexington police have made significant progress in addressing a recent surge of violence in the city, announcing multiple arrests related to homicides, including a fatal shooting that occurred on Ohio Street. Marquise Clark, 26, has been arrested as a second suspect in the murder of 24-year-old Tai’ Maricus Warner, who was found dead on March 11 in the 400 block of Ohio Street. Clark was taken into custody in Detroit and is currently facing murder charges while being held at the Detroit Detention Center.
Just a few days after Warner’s death, police arrested Phillip McElroy, 32, who is also facing charges of murder in connection to the case. This arrest highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to bring justice for victims as violent crime continues to trend upward in Lexington.
In another related investigation, police have arrested three individuals in connection to a homicide on Chinoe Road. Alexis Compton, 24, was taken into custody facing charges of complicity to murder and additional unrelated charges. Jeremiah Mitchell, 20, was arrested by the US Marshals Service and also stands accused of murder, four counts of first-degree wanton endangerment, and second-degree criminal mischief. Yas-Ree Collins, 22, was apprehended by the Ohio State Highway Patrol and is currently charged with complicity to murder as well. Collins awaits extradition to Fayette County from Warren County, Ohio.
The homicide on Chinoe Road drew significant attention due to its violent nature, including a past incident at Exotic Cutzz Barbershop on November 30, where 35-year-old Gregory Williams was shot and killed. Investigations revealed surveillance footage indicating multiple suspects were involved during the shooting at the barbershop, which includes Compton and Collins.
The recent spike in violent incidents has alarmed the Lexington community. Over a violent weekend, three shootings were reported, contributing to the total of 20 gun-related homicides in the city for the year 2024. The incidents included a shooting at the Sportsman Motel that left one person injured, the fatal shooting of Gregory Williams at the barbershop, and a third incident that resulted in the death of 44-year-old Quaynell King.
Authorities encourage community members to remain vigilant and to report any potential threats to law enforcement in an attempt to prevent further escalation of violence. Sgt. Guy Miller emphasized the need for public cooperation in combating crime. Lexington police are also advocating for the submission of anonymous tips through Bluegrass Crime Stoppers and urging residents to register security cameras to assist in ongoing investigations.
As gun violence continues to plague the city, police remain committed to ensuring public safety while addressing the factors leading to these incidents. The arrests made in connection to both the Warner and Chinoe Road homicides are indicative of the efforts being made to quell the rising tide of violence in Lexington, and further investigations are underway to probe into the circumstances surrounding these crimes.
As the year progresses, the community hopes for a reduction in gun violence and a restoration of peace as law enforcement continues its work to bring perpetrators to justice.
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Additional Resources
- WKYT: Second Suspect Charged with Murder in Connection with Deadly Lexington Shooting
- Wikipedia: Violence in the United States
- Lex 18: Recapping a Violent Weekend in Lexington
- Google Search: Lexington Kentucky Crime Statistics
- Kentucky.com: Recent Homicides and Arrests in Lexington
- Google Scholar: Gun Violence in Kentucky
- Fox 56 News: Man Arrested in New York in Connection with Deadly February Shooting in Lexington
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
- Kentucky.com: Opinion on Rising Violence in Lexington
- Google News: Lexington Kentucky Shootings
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
