Kevon Lawless Pleads Guilty in 2020 Louisville Murders
The defendant received a 35-year prison sentence following a retrial for the shooting deaths of two victims.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Criminal Justice
Kevon Lawless pleaded guilty to murder, burglary, and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon in the 2020 deaths of Brandon Waddles and Trinity Randolph. The court sentenced Lawless to 35 years in prison following the conclusion of his retrial.
Why it matters
The case returned to court after the Kentucky Supreme Court overturned Lawless's original conviction, citing a failure to declare a mistrial when a juror was exposed to outside news reports about witness perjury.
Kevon Lawless was sentenced to 35 years for murder, with concurrent sentences of 20 years for burglary and 10 years for handgun possession by a convicted felon. Lawless was held on a $1 million bond following the case remand.
The players
Kevon Lawless
The defendant who was convicted and later retried for the murders of Brandon Waddles and Trinity Randolph.
Kentucky Supreme Court
The highest judicial body in the state that overturned the original 2022 conviction of Kevon Lawless.
Jefferson Circuit Court
The local judicial venue where the retrial and subsequent guilty plea proceedings were held.
The details
The shooting occurred in the 3700 block of Kahlert Avenue in Louisville on August 14, 2020. During the original proceedings, the court denied a defense motion for a mistrial after a juror admitted they could no longer decide the case impartially after learning about a witness being detained for perjury.
Timeline
August 14, 2020: Brandon Waddles and Trinity Randolph were shot on Kahlert Avenue.
2022: Kevon Lawless was originally sentenced to life in prison.
2025: The Kentucky Supreme Court overturned the original conviction.
November 2025: Kevon Lawless was released from state custody.
October 19, 2026: Kevon Lawless pleaded guilty and received a 35-year sentence.
Legal Context
The case highlights strict judicial standards in Kentucky regarding juror exposure to outside information during criminal proceedings. This outcome follows the precedent set by the Kentucky Supreme Court, which prioritizes the integrity of deliberations over trial expediency.
The conclusion of this case brings finality to a years-long legal process stemming from a 2020 incident in the local community. Residents can monitor Jefferson Circuit Court dockets for updates on related criminal proceedings in the area.
The takeaway
This case underscores the critical importance of juror impartiality in the American justice system. When external news reports influence trial jurors, the legal process can be significantly delayed, even in cases involving serious charges like murder.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings in the city, visit the Criminal Justice section.
