Kendall Yarborough: Florida man fatally shoots 'intoxicated' half-brother over lost phone on Christmas
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
ILLINOIS, FLORIDA: Kendall Yarborough, 28, tragically shot his half-brother who was distressed about a misplaced phone.
After the unfortunate incident, authorities arrived at the scene to investigate the circumstances surrounding the half-brother's demise and the motive behind the fatal shooting.
Family members and witnesses soon detailed the half-brother's frustration over the lost phone, shedding light on his intoxicated state.
Authorities expressed their concerns about the shooting occurring on Christmas Day and commended the diligent work of the law enforcement personnel handling the case.
Kendall Yarborough shoots half-brother
As reported by Law&Crime, authorities were summoned around 3.06 pm on December 25 following a call reporting a gunshot at a residence in unincorporated Naperville on the 25W0-100 block of Wood Court.
Upon arrival, the police discovered James Javonne Watson inside the home with a gunshot wound in the abdomen. Despite medical efforts, he was pronounced dead at a hospital.
Upon questioning family members, they disclosed details of a prior incident leading to Watson's death. Family members indicated that Watson, in an intoxicated state, became agitated due to his inability to locate his cell phone.
Describing his agitated behavior, authorities said, "Family members stated that Watson was intoxicated and was upset that he could not find his cell phone."
Following this, witnesses reported a noise, later identified as a single gunshot on Watson.
Before succumbing to his injuries, authorities reportedly obtained a statement from the victim in which he uttered, "I think he (Kendall Yarborough) shot me."
A relative asserted that Yarborough was seen holding the gun moments after the gunshot was heard, which made it evident that he shot his half-brother Watson.
Law enforcement claimed to discover a 9 mm Sig Sauer P-365X handgun and a spent 9 mm bullet casing.
What did authorites say?
Following the collection of statements, authorities apprehended Yarborough at his residence without incident.
DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin said in a statement, “On Christmas day, James Watson lost his life after his half-brother, Kendall Yarborough allegedly shot him in the abdomen while James was looking for his cell phone."
Additionally, Berlin characterized the crime as a senseless act of violence, asserting, “This senseless act of violence will not go unpunished. To James’ family and friends, I offer my sincere condolences and wish them strength as they mourn the loss of a family member and come to terms with another family member accused of his murder.”
He added, "I thank DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick and his office for their work on this sad case. I also thank Assistant State’s Attorneys Robert Willis, Helen Kapas and Michael Paup, for their work in securing charges against Mr. Yarborough.”
DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick said, "It is horrible that a tragedy occurred on Christmas."
“It goes to show that domestic violence can occur in any home and that’s why we take domestic related incidents seriously at the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office.”
He added, “Thank you for all the hard work from first responders and State’s Attorney Bob Berlin’s office for handling this serious crime during their Christmas holiday.”
Yarborough, residing in the Florida city of Palm Harbor, made his initial court appearance on Tuesday morning, December 26. However, the court approved his request to postpone the pretrial detention hearing, rescheduling it for Wednesday at 1.30 pm. He is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in DuPage County.
