Man arrested after new homeowner found bodies in shed during renovations

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (TCN) -- A man has been arraigned on two counts of open murder in connection with 2023 homicides after two bodies were found inside a shed.

WWMT reports that on Feb. 11, Rajai Keyontae Brown, 44, was arrested on outstanding warrants related to the homicides of Tarra Mayes, 46, and Alfred Simpson, 67. He was arraigned on two counts of open murder and his bond was denied. Charges had been authorized on Feb. 6 after what WWMT called a lengthy investigation.

On August 22, 2023, the new owner of a home was renovating it and found the bodies of Mayes and Simpson in a shed, according to a probable cause document obtained by WWMT. The bodies were reportedly decomposing and had been there for long time, per the document. Mayes and Simpson had lived with Brown at the residence in the past, WWMT reports.

Mayes’ phone stopped sharing location data on March 13, 2023, and Brown’s phone was in the same place as the victims’ until the next day, according to WWMT. This evidence reportedly helped authorities track down Brown, who allegedly confessed to the killings during an interview.

Authorities also spoke to a witness who said Brown allegedly admitted he took a knife from Mayes and stabbed her. The witness said Brown told him he then allegedly stabbed Simpson after he attempted to intervene, WWMT reports. 

Oxygen True Crime reports Mayes died of multiple injuries, including blunt force cervical spine fractures, and Simpson died of sharp and blunt force spine injuries. 

According to a Facebook tribute shared by People, Mayes had been missing for over a year before her body was found.

WZZM reports Brown is due back in court on March 4 for a preliminary examination.

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