Categories: College University AthleticsWestern Kentucky University News

Trial Set for Suspects in WKU Student’s Death

A representation of the legal proceedings surrounding the trial.

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News Summary

A trial date has been established for three individuals charged in the tragic death of a Western Kentucky University student. The legal proceedings are set to begin on July 8, just weeks before the second anniversary of the incident. Ayanna Morgan was fatally assaulted in 2023, raising concerns over violence and safety within the WKU community. The trial is expected to draw significant public attention as it unfolds, reflecting the community’s demand for justice.

Bowling Green, KY – A trial date has been set for three men charged in connection with the death of 21-year-old Ayanna Morgan, a Western Kentucky University (WKU) student. The trial is scheduled to commence on July 8, 2025, at 9 a.m. at the Warren County Justice Center, just weeks shy of the second anniversary of Morgan’s tragic death.

Ayanna Morgan was fatally assaulted on July 23, 2023, at the Muse apartments in Bowling Green. Initial reports indicate that she was beaten, shot, and subsequently run over by a car. Upon their arrival, police discovered Morgan with multiple gunshot wounds; despite being responsive, she expressed difficulty in breathing. Law enforcement officers rendered immediate assistance until emergency medical services (EMS) could arrive. Following necessary treatment at a local hospital, Morgan was airlifted to TriStar Skyline Medical Center in Nashville, where she was later pronounced dead.

Three men have been charged in connection to Morgan’s death, each facing different allegations:

Kobee Lancaster, 26 – Arrested shortly after the incident, he faces charges including:
- Second-degree assault
- First-degree wanton endangerment
- Complicity with tampering with physical evidence
- Second-degree hindering prosecution or apprehension
- Leaving the scene of an accident and failure to render aid
Malik Jones, 32 – Arrested in Detroit, Michigan on October 13, 2023, he is charged with:
- Murder
- Tampering with physical evidence
- First-degree persistent felony offender
Malcolm Jones, 32 – Arrested in Atlanta, Georgia in August 2024. He faces charges of:
- Complicity to murder
- Tampering with physical evidence

A pre-trial hearing was conducted earlier this week prior to the announcement of the trial date. It is worth noting that the trial had previously been postponed, but the new date aims to provide the legal system an opportunity to fully address the charges against the accused.

The circumstances surrounding Ayanna Morgan’s death have resonated deeply within the WKU community and Bowling Green at large. As a beloved student, her passing has raised questions regarding safety and violence in the area. The upcoming trial is expected to attract substantial public attention as it unfolds, serving as a reminder to the community of the tragic events that transpired.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about youth violence and the impact of such events on college campuses. As the trial approaches, it is likely to compel discussions on community safety and preventive measures that can be undertaken to protect young individuals from similar fates.

As the legal proceedings unfold, many will be watching closely to see how justice is served in the case of Ayanna Morgan. The trial will not only address the charges against the defendants but also reflect on the community’s call for accountability and change.