DALLAS, TX – A family from Houston is in mourning following the tragic death of 28-year-old Ashley Long, who was fatally shot in downtown Dallas earlier this month. Kendrick Finch, identified as the suspect, has been charged with her murder and is also accused of shooting a friend who was with Long at the time.
Long’s family remembers her as an ambitious woman with big dreams, describing her as a radiant spirit, a loving friend, and a devoted daughter. In the days following her death, her family took to social media to raise awareness about the case. Two weeks later, Finch turned himself in to the authorities.
On a sunny Wednesday, stickers bearing Long’s image lined Main Street in downtown Dallas, a reminder of the vibrant life cut short on a rainy April 5th. “I’m still in a fog,” her family shared, grappling with the sudden loss.
Long, a realtor visiting from the Richmond-Rosenberg area southwest of Houston, was out with friends when the incident occurred. According to an arrest warrant affidavit, they had just left a downtown bar around 2 a.m. when a seemingly innocuous act led to violence. Surveillance footage shows a man with Long brushing his hand against the passenger side of a passing Mercedes.
The passenger in the Mercedes, later identified as Finch, allegedly exited the vehicle with a firearm. The affidavit details that a man accompanying Long retrieved a gun from her purse, leading to an exchange of gunfire. Finch reportedly opened fire first, hitting both Long and her companion. Though her friend survived, Long succumbed to her injuries at the hospital.
The family was left reeling by the randomness of the event. “If she had been there five minutes earlier or later, this wouldn’t have happened,” a detective told them, underscoring the senselessness of the tragedy.
Following the shooting, Finch reportedly contacted the police, admitting he was the passenger in the Mercedes. However, it wasn’t until April 18th that he surrendered to the authorities, prompted by a public appeal from Dallas police on social media. Long’s family used social media to ensure Finch was apprehended, determined to seek justice for their daughter.
For Long’s family, the journey is just beginning as they face life without her. The absence is felt deeply, especially during family gatherings and celebrations. “I can’t even text her goodnight anymore,” a family member lamented.
Finch, who has a criminal record including drug and burglary charges, remains in custody at the Dallas County Jail.