Lexington, KY, September 5, 2025
News Summary
A series of homicide cases in Central Kentucky reached conclusions in August, with varying sentences handed down for offenses including second-degree manslaughter and child abuse. Key incidents include the shooting death of Daquan Collins by Luis Ramos, who received a 10-year sentence, and the sentencing of Rahar Rai for reckless homicide in the death of their infant child. Concerns about child safety and violence in the region have been raised by law enforcement and community advocates, highlighting the need for intervention and support.
Lexington—A series of central Kentucky homicide cases concluded with sentencing and guilty pleas in August, addressing multiple incidents of violence that shocked the community.
On August 21, 2024, Luis Ramos, 30, received a 10-year prison sentence for second-degree manslaughter concerning the tragic death of Daquan Collins. Collins, a 24-year-old father, was fatally shot by Ramos on August 20. Ramos claimed self-defense during the incident, which took place while he was checking on Collins’ three young children, aged 1 month to 3 years, left alone at home. The confrontation escalated when Collins allegedly attempted to break into the house, leading to an altercation in the driveway during which Collins was shot three times.
Despite Ramos’s assertion that Collins threatened him with a gun, testimony from LPD Detective Greg George highlighted inconsistencies in this claim. Home surveillance footage showed no evidence of Collins approaching his vehicle in a threatening manner, and investigations revealed that Collins was unarmed at the time of the shooting. Furthermore, no firearm was located in Collins’ car, while Ramos’s vehicle contained a loaded handgun with hollow-point ammunition. No witness statements corroborated Ramos’s self-defense argument.
In a separate case, Rahar Rai, 31, and Chendra Magar, 34, were sentenced for their roles in the death of their infant child. The child was found deceased in their Lexington apartment in March 2024, with severe bite marks and multiple signs of abuse in various stages of healing. Rai entered an Alford plea resulting in a two-year prison sentence on amended charges of reckless homicide and third-degree child abuse. Magar is scheduled for sentencing after also admitting guilt to similar charges. An autopsy revealed severe internal injuries, indicating a pattern of ongoing child abuse, and evidence indicated that Rai was aware of prior abuse by an older sibling. Neither parent sought medical help for the infant, which contributed to the tragic outcome.
Additionally, three suspects, Anderson George, 34, Briana Turpin, 28, and Raven Houston, 20, pleaded guilty on August 18, 2023, in connection with the fatal overdose of a 4-year-old child due to fentanyl. The child’s death occurred on February 26, 2023, after authorities uncovered approximately 100 grams of fentanyl during a traffic stop of George. The trio had originally faced serious charges, including second-degree manslaughter and trafficking fentanyl. Under the terms of their plea agreements, George will serve 10 years, Turpin 7 years, while Houston has accepted lesser trafficking charges. Sentencing for all three will occur on October 10.
These incidents underscore significant concerns regarding violence and child safety in Central Kentucky. Law enforcement and community advocates stress the importance of intervention and resources for families facing crises to prevent future tragedies.
FAQ
What was the sentence for Luis Ramos in the manslaughter case?
Luis Ramos was sentenced to 10 years in prison for second-degree manslaughter.
What were the key facts surrounding the death of Daquan Collins?
Daquan Collins died after being shot by Luis Ramos during a confrontation outside his home. Ramos claimed self-defense; however, evidence indicated Collins was unarmed at the time of the incident.
What sentences were given to Rahar Rai and Chendra Magar?
Rahar Rai was sentenced to two years in prison for reckless homicide and third-degree child abuse, while Chendra Magar is also facing sentencing for similar charges.
What is the status of the individuals involved in the fentanyl-related death?
Anderson George, Briana Turpin, and Raven Houston pleaded guilty to charges related to the fentanyl overdose of a 4-year-old child. Sentencing is set for October 10, 2023.
Summary Chart of Key Cases
| Case | Defendant(s) | Charges | Sentence | Date of Incident/Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daquan Collins Shooting | Luis Ramos | Second-degree manslaughter | 10 years | August 20, 2024 |
| Child Abuse Case | Rahar Rai, Chendra Magar | Reckless homicide and child abuse | 2 years (Rai) awaiting sentencing (Magar) | March 2024 |
| Fentanyl Overdose | Anderson George, Briana Turpin, Raven Houston | Second-degree manslaughter, trafficking | 10 years (George), 7 years (Turpin), lesser charges (Houston) | February 26, 2023 |
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Homicide Case Sentencing
- WDRB: Crystal Rogers Murder Case
- FOX 56 News: Bourbon County Double Homicide
- WBKO: Crime Stoppers Police Investigation
- FOX 19: Kentucky Mansion Murder Confession
- Wikipedia: Homicide
- Google Search: Kentucky homicide cases
- Google Scholar: Kentucky homicide
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Homicide
- Google News: Homicide Kentucky
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