The accused killer of Ashlee Long walked free despite video evidence
The family of Ashlee Long, a 28-year-old Houston real estate agent, is grieving her loss and expressing outrage after the man accused of her murder was released on bond—despite video evidence and serious charges.
Long was shot and killed in April in downtown Dallas. The suspect, 34-year-old Kendrick Finch, was charged with murder but is now back on the streets after posting bond, prompting renewed calls for bond reform in Texas.
According to the Dallas Police Department, Long was walking with a man near Main Street in downtown Dallas when he brushed his hand along the passenger side of a passing Mercedes. Investigators say Finch got out of the vehicle, pulled a gun, and confronted them.
The man with Long reached into her purse to retrieve a gun, but Finch opened fire, shooting both individuals. The man survived. Long later died at the hospital from multiple gunshot wounds.
Long’s family, devastated by the news, said they were on their way to see her in the hospital when they received a call that she had died.
“We were on our way to Dallas thinking we were going to the hospital to see her, and then we get a call maybe 30 minutes in that she didn’t make it,” said Michelle Long, Ashlee’s mother.
The incident was captured on surveillance video by a nearby business. Finch surrendered to police on April 18 and was formally charged with murder.
The family was stunned to learn that Finch had been released on bond.
“It’s just unbelievable,” said Kevin Marsalis, Ashlee’s brother. “You would expect someone who is on video, and it’s obvious they are guilty of shooting your loved one, to see they are back on the street and able to go home and enjoy their family is frustrating.”
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Ashlee’s family is now working with Texas lawmakers to advocate for changes to the bond system, particularly in cases involving violent crime.
“Her dad spoke with a state senator that’s working with Governor Abbot to help push it through the state house to revoke bond for violent criminals like this,” said Marsalis.
The family hopes Ashlee’s story will help drive legislative reform, ensuring that other families do not have to endure similar tragedies.
“I think that’s the only way that any of this will change,” Marsalis said. “People [need to] go to the lawmakers and say we aren’t going to put up with this anymore.”
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