🚨 Frank West and Cambre Dean Found Fatally Shot in Lee County Home; Jonathan Kelly Arrested at the Scene and Charged with Double First-Degree Murder

LEE COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI – In a harrowing and deeply unsettling case that has left the quiet community of Shannon in shock, two residents—43-year-old Frank West and 39-year-old Cambre Dean—were found dead from apparent gunshot wounds inside a private residence on County Road 295. The incident, which occurred on May 23, 2025, has been officially labeled a double homicide by authorities, who swiftly arrested 39-year-old Jonathan Kelly at the scene.

Kelly, who was reportedly known to at least one of the victims, has been charged with two counts of First-Degree Murder and is currently incarcerated at the Lee County Adult Jail, where he awaits his first court appearance. Officials have described the crime scene as both “disturbing” and “tragically violent,” and the investigation remains active and ongoing.

A Tragic Discovery in a Quiet Mississippi Town

The events unfolded in the early hours of May 23, when deputies from the Lee County Sheriff’s Department were dispatched to a residence on County Road 295, just outside the town limits of Shannon—a typically peaceful area in northeastern Mississippi. Deputies had been called to the location after a 911 report indicated that gunshots had been fired inside the home.

Upon arrival at the residence, deputies discovered the lifeless bodies of Frank West and Cambre Dean, both of whom had suffered fatal gunshot wounds. First responders immediately secured the scene and called for additional investigative support from homicide detectives and forensic units.

A short time later, Jonathan Kelly, who was reportedly still present at the scene when authorities arrived, was taken into custody without incident. Authorities confirmed that Kelly was not a random intruder but had a known connection to at least one of the victims. The nature of that relationship, however, has not been fully disclosed at this time.

Victims Identified: Frank West and Cambre Dean

The two victims were later officially identified as Frank West, aged 43, and Cambre Dean, aged 39. Both individuals were longtime residents of the Lee County area and, according to friends and family, well-known within their community.

Frank West

Frank West was described by those who knew him as a reliable, hardworking individual with deep roots in Lee County. Employed in the local construction industry, West had spent the majority of his adult life in the area and was known for being a dedicated father and friend.
“He was the kind of guy who’d give you the shirt off his back,” said a friend and former coworker. “He was dependable and had a big heart. This has devastated everyone who knew him.”

Cambre Dean

Cambre Dean, 39, was a mother of two and known for her compassionate and generous spirit. She had worked in various service roles over the years and was loved for her candid nature and loyalty to her friends.
“Cambre was a firecracker,” said a family member. “She was funny, strong, and loved her kids more than anything. She didn’t deserve to die like this.”

The relationship between West and Dean has not been formally defined by authorities, but several community members have noted that the two were close, possibly romantically involved.

Suspect Identified and Arrested: Jonathan Kelly

Jonathan Kelly, the 39-year-old man arrested at the scene, has been charged with two counts of First-Degree Murder, the most severe criminal charge under Mississippi law. He remains in custody at the Lee County Adult Jail without bond, and formal legal proceedings are expected to begin in the coming days.

Details about Kelly’s criminal history, mental state, or motive remain scarce. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that they are actively investigating the case, interviewing witnesses, collecting forensic evidence, and attempting to reconstruct the events leading up to the deadly shooting.

“This was not a random act of violence,” said one law enforcement official familiar with the case. “Our detectives are pursuing every possible angle, including the relationship dynamics between the suspect and victims. We are committed to getting justice for the victims and their families.”

The Crime Scene: What We Know So Far

While the Lee County Sheriff’s Office has not released an exhaustive description of the scene, it has been confirmed that both victims were found inside the residence, and multiple gunshots were fired. A firearm believed to have been used in the killings has been recovered and is undergoing forensic testing to determine if it was legally owned and to confirm whether it was indeed the murder weapon.

Initial reports suggest that no signs of forced entry were observed, implying that the victims may have known the suspect and willingly allowed him into the residence. Neighbors reported hearing loud voices followed by gunfire, though none reported witnessing the shooting firsthand.

“There was shouting, and then it was quiet… and then we heard sirens,” said one neighbor, who asked not to be identified. “I knew something was wrong. It’s just horrifying.”

Community Shock and Mourning

As news of the double homicide spread, the small community of Shannon, and Lee County at large, has been left in mourning. Local residents have begun placing flowers, candles, and messages outside the home where the tragedy occurred. Several local pastors have offered grief counseling services and prayer vigils for the families of Frank West and Cambre Dean.

“It’s hard to believe something like this could happen here,” said one local church leader. “This is a tight-knit place. We all know each other. We’re hurting, and we’re angry.”

Friends and relatives of both victims have expressed profound grief and are calling for a thorough investigation and swift justice. A joint memorial service is being planned, and GoFundMe pages have been launched to assist the families with funeral expenses.

Legal Outlook and Charges

With the charges of First-Degree Murder, Kelly faces the most serious legal penalties available under Mississippi law. If convicted, he could receive life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or even the death penalty, depending on prosecutorial discretion and the outcome of any trial.

The Lee County District Attorney’s Office has indicated that it is still reviewing the evidence but intends to prosecute the case to the fullest extent. Additional charges may be filed as more details emerge.

Kelly is expected to make his initial court appearance within the week, where a judge will likely set a preliminary hearing date and determine whether he will remain held without bail pending trial.

Broader Implications and Violence in Rural Communities

While violent crime is statistically less common in rural areas such as Lee County compared to larger urban centers, incidents like this serve as a grim reminder that domestic and interpersonal violence transcends geography. Advocates are using the incident to spotlight the need for improved conflict resolution programs, mental health services, and better community resources for at-risk individuals.

“Far too often, we see deadly outcomes when warning signs are ignored or when people don’t have access to help,” said a representative from the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence. “We need to do better in identifying risk factors before they escalate into tragedy.”

Ongoing Investigation

The investigation into the killings of Frank West and Cambre Dean remains ongoing. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has asked anyone with information about the victims, the suspect, or events leading up to the shooting to come forward.

Forensic testing is being conducted on all evidence collected at the scene, including the suspected murder weapon, shell casings, fingerprints, and digital devices found in the home. Investigators are also seeking any surveillance footage from nearby properties or businesses that may have captured the suspect’s arrival or departure from the area.

Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that others may have knowledge of the events or been indirectly involved.

Conclusion: A Community Left Grieving, A Call for Justice

As the legal process unfolds, the tragic deaths of Frank West and Cambre Dean will be remembered not as just another statistic, but as two lives stolen far too soon. Their families, friends, and an entire community are now left to grapple with the grief and the haunting question of why.

Jonathan Kelly, now in custody and facing two counts of murder, will have his day in court. But for the loved ones of Frank and Cambre, justice will only begin with accountability—and will continue with healing, remembrance, and a recommitment to ensuring such violence never strikes again in their community.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or is at risk, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit www.thehotline.org for confidential help.