Keion Upshaw, a 23-year-old resident of Fort Myers, Florida, tragically lost his life on November 2, 2019, in a drive-by shooting. The incident occurred on Gardenia Avenue, where Upshaw was shot multiple times by occupants of a silver SUV, believed to be a Nissan Kicks. Despite being rushed to Lee Memorial Hospital, Upshaw succumbed to his injuries.
The shooting took place in broad daylight, in a busy residential area, which prompted a swift response from law enforcement to identify and apprehend the suspects involved.
The investigation into Keion Upshaw's murder revealed a complex plot involving a murder-for-hire scheme. Marvin Harris, Jr., also known as "Mesh," a 24-year-old from Fort Myers, was identified as the individual who orchestrated the killing. Harris hired 25-year-old Latrel Jackson, also known as "Kobe," from Plainfield, Illinois, to carry out the murder. Jackson traveled to Fort Myers and executed the drive-by shooting that resulted in Upshaw's death. Both Harris and Jackson were indicted in July 2022 on charges of conspiracy to commit interstate murder for hire and interstate murder for hire.
The legal proceedings against Harris and Jackson have been ongoing. Harris was arraigned in August 2022 and faced additional charges related to his involvement in a drug ring. The indictment and subsequent arraignment provided some solace to Upshaw's family, who had been seeking justice for nearly three years. Upshaw's older sister, Brittany, expressed the family's mixed emotions of relief and continued grief, as they still grapple with the loss of a beloved family member who was described as full of life and a devoted father.
If convicted, both Harris and Jackson face mandatory life imprisonment for their roles in the murder of Keion Upshaw. The case has highlighted the devastating impact of violent crime on families and communities, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces in solving such complex cases. The Fort Myers Police Department continues to urge anyone with additional information about the case to come forward, as they work to ensure that justice is fully served for Keion Upshaw and his family.
