TEMPLE HILLS, Md. — A 27-year-old Clinton man was sentenced to 80 years in prison on Thursday for the shooting death of a local professional boxer.
Markell Lewis shot and killed Danny Kelly, Jr., 30, during a road rage incident on Christmas Eve 2021. Lewis was sentenced to 35 years on second-degree murder, 10 years for four first-degree assault counts and 5 years for use of a firearm by someone who has been disqualified by a prior crime.
“Mr. Lewis callously killed Mr. Kelly because he was angry, which is ridiculous. This family on the way to Christmas Eve dinner, didn’t deserve to see Mr. Kelly die and experience this tragedy. It was terrible and senseless,” said State’s Attorney Braveboy. “The judge considered the crime and observed the defendant’s demeanor during the trial in addition to what she felt was an inability to rehabilitate him, in determining that it was necessary to go above the guidelines and we are grateful for that. Justice was served for Mr. Kelly. I also want to thank the Assistant State’s Attorneys Ed Leyden and Victoria Adegoke for their work on this case.”
The shooting happened as the two were driving on St. Barnabas Road in Temple Hills.
Authorities say Lewis made an abrupt lane change in front of Kelly's car.
A short time later, Lewis shot into Kelly's car, killing him and leaving his three children and fiancé in shock.
According to the family, Kelly was leaving a shopping trip with his family when the shooting occurred. The brazen attack did not injure the girlfriend or the three children, ages 4, 7 and 9.
Kelly was well-known in the boxing community. He competed professionally in places like the Barclays Center and Maryland Live. According to BoxRec.com, he had a record of 10-3-1 on the professional circuit, including nine knockouts.
Kelly's cousin, Simone Deloach, spoke during a press conference with the Prince George's County Police Department and said this was the second son her aunt had lost and called for an end to "senseless gun violence" happening in the county.
"He was a heavyweight champion, but he was also a gentle giant," Deloach said. "He loved making people happy and seeing the joy on our faces. That's what he brought to our family."
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