A Kansas City man will spend the rest of his life in prison for killing his former girlfriend on her 21st birthday, ending a criminal case that began with a fatal shooting in May 2025.
Rasheed Turner, 26, was sentenced in October 2026 to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of Layla Freeman, 21. He also received an additional 15-year sentence for armed criminal action, which will be served consecutively to his life sentence.
The shooting happened on May 13, 2025, near West 37th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue in Kansas City, Missouri.
Birthday Meeting Ended in Fatal Shooting
Freeman had agreed to meet Turner after he told her he wanted to give her a birthday present, according to information presented during the investigation.
Earlier that evening, Freeman spoke with her cousin over FaceTime and mentioned the planned meeting. Approximately 90 minutes later, the two spoke again.
During the second conversation, Freeman was crying and told her cousin she was with Turner and would call back. She never made that return call.
Police were called to the area around 9:45 p.m. on May 13 after reports of gunfire. Officers found Freeman suffering from multiple gunshot wounds near a parked Chevrolet Malibu. She died at the scene.
Witnesses reported hearing gunshots followed by a woman’s screams. They also described seeing a man leave the area near the Malibu and run toward a blue Ford Mustang before driving away.
Surveillance Footage Helped Investigators Identify Turner
Investigators used city surveillance footage to track the Mustang seen near the shooting. Detectives also examined social media activity and text messages exchanged between Turner and Freeman before her death.
These investigative findings helped authorities identify Turner as a suspect. He was arrested on May 28, 2025, and initially faced charges of second-degree murder and armed criminal action.
Freeman had a temporary order of protection against Turner at the time of the shooting, according to court records.
In August 2026, Turner pleaded guilty to the crimes. His case concluded with the October sentencing, which means he will remain imprisoned for the rest of his life without the possibility of parole.
Remembering Layla Freeman
Beyond the circumstances of her death, Freeman was remembered by her family as a young woman whose faith, education and commitment to helping others shaped her life.
She graduated from Crossroads Preparatory Academy and continued her education at Lincoln University and Metropolitan Community College. She also earned her Certified Nursing Assistant credential and began working as a tax examiner for the Internal Revenue Service in 2024.
Her faith was an important part of her life. Freeman became a Christian at 16 and was actively involved in Victory Way Church in Kansas City.
She participated in youth ministry, led Bible studies, sang in the choir and worked as a choreographer and liturgical praise dancer. Her family remembered her for her kindness, compassion and the positive influence she had on those around her.
Prosecutor Addresses the Impact of Domestic Violence
Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson said domestic violence-related killings leave lasting harm on families and the wider community.
Her office, she said, works to hold abusers accountable and prevent similar tragedies.
Freeman’s death highlights the devastating consequences domestic violence can have, even when protective measures are in place. Her story also leaves behind the memory of a young woman whose family, faith and professional ambitions were central to her life.
With Turner sentenced to life without parole and an additional 15 years for armed criminal action, the criminal case has reached its sentencing stage.
