Kamauri Kennedy sentenced to life in prison without parole in killing of Domonique Kelley

MINOT, N.D. (KMOT) – The man convicted in the 2021 murder of Dominique Kelley in Minot was sentenced to life in prison without parole Tuesday.

In September, a jury returned a guilty verdict against Kamauri Kennedy.

Kelley’s remains were found in a burned vehicle on a gravel road in June 2021, and her death was ruled a homicide.

Kennedy fled the state following Kelley’s death but was apprehended in Michigan.

At sentencing, Kennedy, who did not testify at trial, addressed the court and maintained his innocence.

“Three years and nobody’s ever asked me anything and I didn’t do this. I would never hurt a female,” said Kennedy.

In his sentencing, Judge Gary Lee characterized Kelley’s death as “horrific,” noting that evidence brought forth at trial indicated she was still alive when the vehicle her remains were found in was set on fire.

Lee went with the state’s recommendation of life without parole, calling Kennedy a “career criminal.”

“This was essentially a gang-land type execution, so a horrific crime,” said Lee.

Kennedy had indicated in his presentence investigation that he plans to appeal the verdict.

Restitution will be determined at a later date.

He faces a separate set of charges where investigators say he attacked another inmate at the Ward County Jail while awaiting trial in the Kelley case.

Previous Coverage:

• Kamauri Kennedy found guilty of murder in death of Domonique Kelley
• Conspiracy charge tossed, murder charge to go to jury in Kamauri Kennedy case
• DNA analysis, search for SUV highlight day three testimony in Minot murder trial
• Testimony begins in Minot murder trial
• Opening arguments in Kamauri Kennedy murder case
• Murder suspect charged in attack on fellow jail inmate in Minot
• Trial continued in Kamauri Kennedy case following evidentiary matter
• Judge rejects 11th-hour request to withdraw from Minot murder case