Wisconsin Man Admits ‘I F—ing Killed Somebody’ After Fatally Striking Singer Celebrating Birthday, Then Fleeing Scene, Police Say
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN — A Milwaukee man is behind bars after he allegedly struck and killed a young singer celebrating her birthday, sped away from the scene, and later confessed to police, saying, “I f—ing killed somebody.”
Authorities say 34-year-old Shanton Lay was driving with a revoked license and speeding when he hit 25-year-old Keiarria Travis in the early morning hours of October 11. Travis, described by friends as a “vibrant and talented artist,” died at the scene despite efforts by first responders to save her.
Birthday Night Turns Tragic on Milwaukee Street
According to Milwaukee police, officers responded just before 12:30 a.m. to reports of a pedestrian struck near the 7200 block of 76th Street. When they arrived, they found Travis unconscious and struggling to breathe. Paramedics attempted life-saving measures, but she was pronounced dead minutes later.
Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators showed Travis crossing the street and pausing briefly in the median. As she stepped into the northbound lanes, a dark-colored vehicle traveling at a “high rate of speed” struck her and kept going.
The driver did not stop, authorities said, leaving Travis fatally injured in the roadway.
Suspect Confesses: ‘I F—ing Killed Somebody’
Later that same day, around 2:40 p.m., Lay reportedly flagged down a Milwaukee police officer outside District 4 headquarters and confessed to being the driver.
“I f—ing killed somebody,” he allegedly told the officer, according to the criminal complaint.
Lay admitted that he “panicked” after the crash and fled the scene in fear. He told police where to find the vehicle — his girlfriend’s Mazda — which officers located with extensive front-end damage.
During his interview, Lay claimed he had just left a friend’s house and was heading to Prime Social Club, where he said he planned to meet others. Ironically, it was the same club Travis had been at earlier that evening celebrating her birthday.
Lay told investigators he didn’t see Travis until it was “too late” and insisted he hadn’t been drinking or using drugs that night. He also admitted his license had been revoked following a previous DUI conviction.
Victim Remembered as ‘Vibrant’ Singer with Big Dreams
Travis was just two days shy of turning 26 when her life was cut short. Friends said she was a gifted singer and songwriter who poured her heart into her performances.
A GoFundMe campaign launched by loved ones described her as a rising star in Milwaukee’s local music scene.
“Keiarria was more than just a talented artist — she was a daughter, a sister, a friend, and a dreamer who inspired everyone around her,” the tribute read. “Every performance, every note she sang carried the passion and hope of someone destined for greatness.”
Charges and Upcoming Court Date
Lay is being held in the Milwaukee County Jail on a $30,000 bond. He faces multiple felony charges, including hit-and-run resulting in death and operating a motor vehicle with a revoked license causing death.
He is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.
Tragic crashes caused by reckless driving continue to devastate Milwaukee families. Have you witnessed dangerous driving in your neighborhood? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments on ChicagoMusicGuide.com.