Charleston, S.C. – Detectives have arrested and charged Antonio Jamal Kelly (33, of Charleston) with murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime in connection with a homicide that occurred on Tripe Street in West Ashley.
At approximately 12:30 a.m. on January 10, 2026, officers responded to a shooting on Tripe Street. Officers located a vehicle in the roadway with a deceased victim inside. The Charleston County Coroner identified the victim as Ashlyn Brianna Burkett, who died from multiple gunshot wounds.
As part of the investigation, the Charleston Police Department’s Special Operations Division executed a search warrant at a residence on Tripe Street. Kelly was located inside the residence and taken into custody on an unrelated domestic violence warrant.
During the investigation, CPD’s DNA Laboratory processed key evidence within days. That rapid turnaround provided prompt investigative leads that typically take much longer to develop.
Kelly was taken into custody today, January 15, 2026, in Jacksonville, Florida by CPD’s Warrants Unit with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service. He is currently being held pending extradition to South Carolina.
Detectives determined that the victim and suspect had previously been in a romantic relationship. Anyone experiencing intimate partner violence is encouraged to seek help by contacting law enforcement or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 for support and resources.
This investigation remains active. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Charleston Police Department at 843-720-2422 and ask for the on-duty Central Detective. Anonymous tips may be submitted at www.charleston-sc.gov/tips.
###
Media Release
Release Date: January 15, 2026
Media Contact: Sgt. Chris Stinson