Photo: Instagram
He was shot and killed by five children.
By Emily Blackwood — Written on Feb 11, 2019
Nashville musician and Caverton lead singer Kyle Yorlets was shot and killed outside of his house and a group of kids has been charged with his murder.
On Thursday, Feb. 17, a group of juveniles ranging in age from 12-16 approached the 24-year-old singer and stole his wallet. When they told him to hand over his keys, Yorlets refused and he was shot. The children took off, and Yorlets made it back inside his house where he was found by one of his bandmates. He was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
So who is Kyle Yorlets, and why was he murdered?
1. He was a well-known musician in Nashville.
While Yorlets was originally from Carlisle, Pennsylvania, he moved to Nashville to attend Belmont University. He graduated in May of 2017.
Yorlets came to Tennessee with fellow Carverton band member Michael Curry, after they "realized their unique sound would fit better in Nashville." When they got there, they met Christian Ferguson and Michael Wiebell, and the band was formed.
2. He also worked in the restaurant industry.
In addition to being a musician, Yorlets also worked at restaurants Milk and Honey and Pastaria in Nashville. Pastaria shared a tribute to his passing the day following his death.
"Yesterday, our Pastaria Nashville family experienced a devastating loss. Right now, it is difficult for us to put into words what our staff is experiencing, what we are going through as a team, and for those who are in the industry know, what we are battling as a family. Kyle Yorlets was many things to many people: a soundboard, a mentor, a boyfriend, a wonderful musician, a confidant, an encourager, a day brightener, a friend… but most importantly, Kyle was a son."
3. A GoFundMe was set up for his family.
A GoFundMe campaign to raise $40,000 for Yorlets' family was set up following his death. According to the page's description, his family are dairy farmers in Pennsylvania, and the money is being raised to help them with funeral arrangements along with upkeep on the farm.
Yorlets is one of four children who grew up on the farm.
Any leftover funds will go towards scholarship opportunities the Yorlets will arrange in their son's honor. The campaign was created by John Ferguson, Christian Ferguson's father. At the time of this writing, over $39,000 has been raised.
4. In addition to family and friends, Yorlets leaves behind a girlfriend.
Yorlets dated Faith Gipson for three years, according to the Townsville Bulletin.
They reportedly met at Belmont University. She has not spoken out publicly since his murder. Yorlets posted a sweet message about his girlfriend back in July.
'I don't say nearly enough how incredibly proud and happy I am to be with this woman. You'll never find a more compassionate, strong, intelligent, driven, H.O.T. firecracker like her even if you try. She could easily defeat your greatest foe, even after running a marathon and preparing a world-class pot roast. In case you couldn't tell, I love her more than anything and I can't wait to see all of the amazing things she does until her next birthday when I put together ANOTHER slightly late/slightly outrageous post about her," he wrote.
5. The children who shot him were driving a stolen car.
According to a police statement, the children who shot and killed Yorlets were driving a stolen pickup truck. They were reportedly hanging out in an alley behind his home when they first spotted him.
Police have not revealed which one of the children pulled the trigger.
6. The children were found with stolen weapons.
When authorities later arrested the five suspects at a nearby Walmart, they also found two stolen, loaded pistols. Police initially got involved in the case on Thursday, when they were searching for the 12-year-old girl who had run away from home.
Investigators reportedly found Snapchat photos of the girl riding in a car with other young people and guns. Police believe the shooting was random.
7. Police have released three of the five suspects' names.
Each of the five suspects — three girls, ages 12, 14 and 15 and two boys, ages 13 and 16 — are facing criminal homicide charges in connection with Yorlet's death. Three of the suspects have been named: Roniyah McKnight, 14, Diamond Lewis, 15, and Decorrius Wright, 16. Tennessee law prohibits naming the 12- and 13-year-old suspects.
Emily Blackwood is a writer and editor living in California. She covers all things news, pop culture and true crime.