A Missouri woman was left with the grim task of cleaning up the crime scene where her 25-year-old daughter was allegedly murdered by her 21-year-old boyfriend last week. The young woman, Kelsey Elem, was reportedly beaten and fatally shot by her boyfriend, Martino Lewis, following a heated argument, according to local law enforcement.
Calvenita Brock, Elem’s mother, described the horrific scene in her daughter’s room during an interview with a local NBC affiliate. Lewis, who is now facing multiple charges including domestic assault, armed criminal action, and second-degree murder, allegedly killed Elem in their Affton home, as per the St. Louis County Prosecutor’s Office and Lewis’ criminal complaint.
Lewis reportedly told a friend that Elem had been shot while they were driving and that he had taken her to a hospital. However, this account was later disproven during the police investigation. Lewis was arrested in St. Louis City, still in possession of Elem’s vehicle, and admitted to having a physical altercation with Elem.
Brock suggested in her interview that Lewis has attempted to portray Elem’s death as an accident. However, an eyewitness allegedly overheard the fatal argument and saw Lewis physically assault Elem. The location of this witness during the shooting remains unclear, but they were reportedly present at the residence on Grace Avenue where the incident occurred.
According to the complaint, the victim had expressed fear that Lewis would retrieve her gun and had asked the eyewitness to call the police. While on the phone with 911, the eyewitness reportedly heard a gunshot and saw Lewis flee the scene in Elem’s vehicle.
Lewis was charged last week and is currently being held on a $400,000 bond. Brock, who has started a GoFundMe campaign, told the local NBC affiliate that Elem and Lewis had been frequently arguing recently. Despite their disagreements, Elem was always supportive and caring towards Lewis, Brock said.
Brock expressed her disbelief and grief over the tragic incident, stating that her daughter had done so much for Lewis, who had nothing. She was left questioning how he could commit such a heinous act against her daughter.