Newport, Vt. – Jakiy Tramaine Corey Keith, 26, of Hartford, Connecticut, has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in connection with the death of Kayla Wright, 29, of Derby, Vermont. The plea, entered Wednesday in Orleans County Superior criminal court, brings a measure of closure to a case that began with Wright’s disappearance in February 2024 and the subsequent discovery of her body in a toolbox found in the Missisquoi River in Troy, Vermont. This Connecticut man’s plea deal resolves a charge initially filed as first-degree murder.
According to investigators, Keith shot Wright three times after she reportedly threatened to contact police regarding his drug-dealing operation. The details of the case, which unfolded in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, highlight the intersection of violent crime and illicit drug activity in the region. Keith also pleaded guilty to unauthorized removal of a body, acknowledging his role in concealing Wright’s remains. The case has drawn significant attention, particularly as it involved the grim discovery of Wright’s body in the river.
Timeline of Events and Investigation
The investigation into Wright’s disappearance began in February 2024. Her body was discovered later that month, prompting a multi-agency effort to identify those responsible. Authorities quickly focused on Keith as a prime suspect, alleging a motive rooted in his attempts to silence Wright, who possessed incriminating information about his drug-related activities.
Prior to Keith’s plea, two other individuals, Aaron Camp, 34, of Derby, and Terron “Josh” Pendleton, 34, of Waterbury, had already been sentenced on charges of accessory to murder. Their involvement centered around assisting Keith in concealing evidence related to the crime. The cooperation of Camp and Pendleton likely played a role in building the case against Keith, according to court documents.
Federal Drug Charges and Concurrent Sentencing
The state murder charge is not the only legal hurdle Keith faces. He has also entered a plea agreement in federal court concerning charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess controlled drugs, as well as using a firearm in connection with drug trafficking. The court has ordered a pre-sentence report to be prepared by the Vermont Department of Corrections, which will detail Keith’s background and any factors that might influence his sentencing. Judge Rory Thibault indicated a sentencing hearing is likely to be scheduled in June.
A key aspect of the plea deal is that Keith’s state and federal sentences will run concurrently, meaning he will serve both punishments at the same time. While second-degree murder carries a potential sentence of 20 years to life in prison, first-degree murder, the initial charge, carried a sentence of 35 years to life. The reduction in the charge reflects the terms negotiated between Keith’s attorney, David Sleigh, and Orleans County State’s Attorney Farzana Leyva.
Impact on the Community and Next Steps
The resolution of this case, while bringing a degree of justice for Kayla Wright’s family, underscores the challenges faced by rural communities grappling with drug-related crime. The case has been deeply felt in Derby and Troy, Vermont, and the surrounding areas. The Northeast Kingdom homicide probe has highlighted the need for continued vigilance and collaboration between law enforcement agencies.
Keith now awaits sentencing in both state and federal court. The sentencing hearings will provide an opportunity for Wright’s family to share victim impact statements and for the court to consider the severity of the crime and Keith’s level of culpability. The Department of Corrections report will be a crucial component of the sentencing process, offering insights into Keith’s background and potential for rehabilitation. The next scheduled step is the preparation and review of the pre-sentence report, with a sentencing hearing anticipated in June.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse or mental health issues, resources are available. You can reach the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-Facilitate (4357). For immediate crisis support, dial 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and reactions in the comments section below.
