Detectives from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety followed evidence and leads that led to the arrest of the person who fired the fatal shot that ended the life of Bernard Kye. The suspect, a 20 year-old Kalamazoo resident, was arrested without incident on Tuesday, April 11, 2017 around 7:45 pm. The name of the suspect will not be released until he is arraigned. We anticipate the arraignment to be sometime on Thursday, April 13.
We are requesting charges of felony murder, felon in possession of a firearm and carrying a concealed weapon at this time.
The second victim who sustained a gunshot to her leg is still in stable condition.
We are still investigating this incident and are asking anyone with any information concerning this case to please contact us at 269.337.8994 or Silent Observer at 269.343-2100 or online at www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.
By authority of: Captain Victor Ledbetter
Date: April 12, 2017
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Victor Ledbetter, Criminal Investigations Division, 337-8139
Update – Suspect Arraigned
Thursday afternoon, the suspect in the shooting death of Bernard Kye was arraigned on seven (7) counts. The charges against Kalamazoo resident Deonte Lamar Burdine, 5-3-96, include: open murder, assault with intent to murder, felon in possession of a firearm and 4 counts of felony firearm. The bond for Burdine was denied.
We are still requesting witnesses to come forward with any information they may have as this investigation is still continuing. There may be useful video that was recorded during this incident that could aid in this investigation.
Anyone who may have information regarding this investigation is asked to call Kalamazoo Public Safety at 337-8994 or Silent Observer at 343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.
By authority of: Captain Victor Ledbetter
Date: April 13, 2017
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Parkway, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Victor Ledbetter, Criminal Investigations Division, 337-8139
