Dallas residents are grappling with the tragic death of Texas real estate agent Ashlee Long, who was fatally shot on April 5 during a violent confrontation near a parked Mercedes vehicle in downtown Dallas. The incident, which has raised questions about personal safety, legal accountability, and the role of firearms in urban settings, involved William Kistler, Long’s 26-year-old companion, and 34-year-old Kendrick Finch, who is now charged with murder.
According to the Dallas police affidavit, the incident unfolded when Kistler, who has a documented criminal history, reached out to brush against the passenger side of a passing Mercedes as Long and her friends crossed the street. This contact triggered Finch, who was inside the vehicle, to exit and open fire, according to investigators. The sequence of events, involving both parties, remains under review by law enforcement. Kistler, who survived the shooting, has been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm, while Finch is facing murder charges. The details of the event, including the number of shots fired and the parties involved, are part of an ongoing legal investigation as authorities work to determine the exact circumstances of the incident.
Finch, who has a prior criminal record that includes drug charges and burglary, made the choice to turn himself in to authorities, but his release on a $500,000 bond has been met with public opposition. His defense team has argued that the shooting was an act of self-defense, based on the evidence presented in court. Finch’s attorney has emphasized that Kistler’s actions, including the effort to retrieve a gun from Long’s purse, led to the escalation of the conflict. The attorney has also highlighted the seven seconds it took for Finch to exit the vehicle, during which time the situation escalated from a seemingly minor incident to a fatal confrontation.
Kistler, who has been charged with multiple felony and misdemeanor offenses, has a lengthy criminal history that includes theft, assault, and burglary. The details of his past legal troubles were made public after he was charged with the murder and other related crimes. His father, Henry Long, has expressed his grief over the loss of his daughter, calling for Finch to stay in jail permanently. The father’s statements have drawn significant attention, as they reflect the emotional toll of the incident on the victim’s family. As the trial process moves forward, the case has become a focal point for discussions about legal responsibility, gun violence, and the impact of personal relationships on criminal behavior.
The incident has raised broader concerns about gun violence and the role of legal systems in addressing disputes involving firearms. As the case unfolds, community leaders and law enforcement have been called upon to address the underlying issues that may have contributed to the violent outcome. The victim’s family and legal advocates continue to push for justice, highlighting the need for reform and increased awareness of the factors that contribute to such tragic events.