Kevon Lawless, 29, of Louisville, was sentenced to 35 years in prison on October 22, 2026, after pleading guilty to murdering Brandon Waddles, 21, and his 3-year-old daughter Trinity Randolph during an attempted burglary at their home on Kahlert Avenue in Louisville’s Jacobs neighborhood on August 14, 2020. The sentence closes a legal case that has stretched for more than six years since the two were found shot to death inside their home, according to the Courier-Journal.
TL;DR: Kevon Lawless pleaded guilty to two counts of murder, first-degree burglary, and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon in the 2020 killings of Brandon Waddles and his 3-year-old daughter Trinity Randolph. A judge sentenced him to 35 years in prison on Oct. 22. Lawless had previously been convicted and sentenced to life in 2022, but the Kentucky Supreme Court overturned that conviction in 2025, sending the case back to Jefferson Circuit Court.
What Happened on Aug. 14, 2020
On the morning of August 14, 2020, Brandon Waddles and his young daughter Trinity were inside their home on Kahlert Avenue when Lawless broke in during what prosecutors described as an attempted burglary. Lawless, who had previously been convicted of attempted murder in a separate case, shot them both.
The details of the killings were heartbreaking. Trinity, just 3 years old, had been playing in her “Frozen” playhouse at the time. She was later buried dressed as a princess, a detail that captured the grief of a family and a neighborhood reeling from the loss.
Arrest and a Six-Year Legal Journey
Police arrested Lawless in October 2020, two months after the killings. The case moved toward trial, and in 2022 a jury convicted him of the murders and he was sentenced to life in prison.
But the case did not end there. Following a 2025 Kentucky Supreme Court ruling that a mistrial should have been declared, the conviction was overturned. The ruling sent the case back to Jefferson Circuit Court for new proceedings — a development that forced the victims’ family to brace for another round in court.
Instead of going to trial a second time, Lawless pleaded guilty to two counts of murder, first-degree burglary, and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon. That plea brought the case to an end on October 22, when he received a 35-year prison sentence.
Prosecutor: “Senseless Killing”
Jefferson County Commonwealth’s Attorney Gerina Whethers spoke after the sentencing about what the outcome means for the family. “This defendant was first found responsible by a jury for the senseless killing of a father and his three-year-old daughter, and now, has fully admitted to his responsibility,” Whethers said.
“At last, after six years since their deaths, we have justice for Brandon Waddles and Trinity Randolph,” she continued. She added that she hopes the outcome brings “some measure of peace” to the victims’ family and loved ones.
The Victims
Brandon Waddles was 21 years old when he was killed. His daughter Trinity Randolph was only 3. The two were remembered as inseparable — a young father and his little girl, whose favorite things included the “Frozen” playhouse she was playing in when the burglary turned deadly.
The six-year wait for a final resolution was grueling for the family. After the 2025 state Supreme Court ruling threw out the life sentence, the possibility of a retrial loomed. The guilty plea spares the family from having to sit through another trial while still holding Lawless accountable with decades behind bars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kevon Lawless?
Kevon Lawless is a 29-year-old Louisville man who pleaded guilty to murdering Brandon Waddles, 21, and his 3-year-old daughter Trinity Randolph during an attempted burglary on August 14, 2020. He had a prior attempted murder conviction in a separate case.
What sentence did Kevon Lawless receive?
On October 22, 2026, Lawless was sentenced to 35 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of murder, first-degree burglary, and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon.
Who were the victims?
Brandon Waddles, 21, and his 3-year-old daughter Trinity Randolph. They were found shot to death inside their home on Kahlert Avenue in Louisville’s Jacobs neighborhood on August 14, 2020.
Why was Lawless’s original conviction overturned?
He was convicted in 2022 and sentenced to life in prison, but a 2025 Kentucky Supreme Court ruling found that a mistrial should have been declared. The conviction was overturned and the case was sent back to Jefferson Circuit Court.
What did the prosecutor say after sentencing?
Jefferson County Commonwealth’s Attorney Gerina Whethers said Lawless “has fully admitted to his responsibility” and that “at last, after six years since their deaths, we have justice for Brandon Waddles and Trinity Randolph.” She said she hopes the outcome brings “some measure of peace” to the family.
When were the murders committed?
August 14, 2020, at the victims’ home on Kahlert Avenue in Louisville’s Jacobs neighborhood, during an attempted burglary.
How old was Trinity Randolph?
She was 3 years old. She had been playing in her “Frozen” playhouse at the time of the shooting and was buried dressed as a princess.
When was Lawless arrested?
He was arrested in October 2020, about two months after the killings.
