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A Michigan homeowner encountered an unsettling scene when they stumbled upon two decomposing bodies hidden within a shed on their newly acquired property. This chilling discovery ultimately led to the arrest of Rajai Keyontae Brown, a former occupant of the residence, who now faces two murder charges, as detailed in a statement from Kalamazoo Public Safety.
The bodies of Tarra Mayes and Alfred Simpson were unearthed on August 22, 2023, by the property’s new owner. The discovery occurred while they were in the process of cleaning and renovating the home. The remains were concealed in what was described as an “odd shape,” wrapped and positioned side by side at the back of the shed or garage, according to a probable cause affidavit shared with Oxygen.
What Are the Allegations Against Rajai Keyontae Brown?
Authorities conveyed that the evidence gathered at the scene suggested the victims had been dead for a considerable time before being found. The disturbing find has prompted further investigation into the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Police noted in the statement, “Evidence collected at the scene indicated both victims had been deceased for a significant period prior to their discovery.”
The new homeowner had been in the midst of cleaning and remodeling the property when he stumbled upon the bodies, which had been wrapped in an “odd shape,” according to a probable cause affidavit provided to Oxygen.
“Both oddly shaped figures were side by side in the rear of the shed/garage,” the affidavit read. “Upon further investigation these two oddly shaped figures were found to be two deceased individuals in an advanced state of decomposition.”
An autopsy would later determine that Mayes died of multiple injuries, including blunt force cervical spine fractures. Simpson’s cause of death was determined to be multiple injuries including both sharp and blunt force injuries to the spine.
Both victims had been living with Brown at the property when they disappeared, authorities said.
Friends and family reported last seeing Mayes and Simpson around March 13, 2022. Phone records also showed that Mayes’ phone stopped sharing data location the same day, per the affidavit. Data also placed Brown’s phone in the same location as Mayes until the following day.
A witness told detectives that Brown allegedly confessed to carrying out the murders sometime in the spring or summer of 2022. According to that witnesses’ account, described in the court documents, Brown told him Mayes “had brandished a knife” and he took it and “sliced and stabbed” her. He allegedly confessed to stabbing Simpson when the man tried to intervene.
Where is Rajai Keyontae Brown Now?
Brown was taken into custody on outstanding warrants related to the killings on Feb. 11.
“This arrest is the result of tireless dedication and unwavering focus by our detectives,” Capt. Danielle Guilds of the Criminal Investigations Division remarked in the police statement, “who never lost sight of our obligation to the victims’ family to hold the offender accountable for his actions.”
Brown is being held without bond. It’s unclear whether he has retained an attorney. Oxygen reached out the the prosecuting attorney, public defender’s office and Kalamazoo Public Safety department but did not receive an immediate response.
