West Michigan man sentenced to decades in prison for fatal Kalamazoo shooting in 2023

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – A West Michigan man will spend decades behind bars in 2023 for fatally shooting another man in the head, according to the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS).

On Monday, a jury sentenced 37-year-old Laquay Lee Woodford-Paige to prison for the following reasons:

• Second Degree Murder (lesser offense) – 28-60 years
• Three felony weapons counts: 6 years
• Discharging a firearm into a building resulting in death: 14-30 years
• Discharge of a firearm in a building: 5-10 years

Woodford-Paige’s sentencing comes nearly a year after officers were called to Woodbury Avenue between Burrell Avenue and Simpson Street on a report of shots fired on Nov. 4, 2023.

When they arrived, officers discovered that 35-year-old Kemberlyn Dwayne Trotman had been shot in the head, administered medical aid and took him to the hospital.

However, the Trotman died from his injuries.

Witnesses told officers that a suspect fired two different weapons at a group of people and surrounding homes, according to the department.

Woodford-Paige was subsequently arrested and charged five days later on November 9th.

“We hope this sentencing provides some closure for Mr. Trotman’s family and reaffirms our commitment to seeking justice for victims of violent crime,” KDPS Captain Danielle Guilds said Monday. “We remain committed to holding perpetrators accountable and ensuring the safety of all residents.”