Betrayal at the Deli: The Tragic Murders of Lachell Day & Dennis Edwards

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Betrayal at the Deli: The Tragic Murders of Lachell Day & Dennis Edwards

This article reveals the heartbreaking story behind the 2019 double homicide at Edwards Original Corner Market & Deli in Kansas City. It covers the lives of deli owner Dennis Edwards and customer Lachell Day, their ties to family and community, and the chain of events that led to the shooting.

You’ll learn about Jermelle Byers’ background, arrest, trial, and current incarceration, leaving readers with insight into domestic violence, community grief, and the long-lasting impact of this tragedy.

Gunshots shattered a quiet Kansas City afternoon in July 2019. A man argued with his girlfriend outside a small deli. Moments later, he forced his way inside and opened fire. Chaos erupted. A beloved store owner, Dennis Edwards, rushed to help. He paid with his life.

His friend, customer Lachell Day, also fell. The shooter, later identified as Jermelle Byers, refused to surrender. A standoff with police lasted two hours before he was wounded and captured. This tragedy sent shockwaves through the local community. It revealed how a single act of violence could destroy families, faith, and futures in an instant.

Early Lives and Community Ties

Dennis Edwards was born on August 1, 1956, in Kansas City, Kansas. He grew up helping his parents at Edwards Original Corner Market & Deli, which they bought when he was three years old.

A Wyandotte High School graduate, he briefly lost the family business in 1986, then rebuilt it in the late 2000s. Known for his warm nature and Philly cheesesteaks, Dennis entertained neighbors at Moose Lodge #1999. His daughter, Erika Whittet, often visited from Tulsa.

Lachell Day was born on April 17, 1977. A 1995 Wyandotte High School alumna, she worked at local businesses like Flawless Mafia ENT, General Motors, and G4S. A free spirit adored by her sister Lanita, Lachell arrived at the deli on July 10, 2019, unaware of the horror about to unfold.

A Normal Day Turned Tragic

On July 10, 2019, Lachell visited the deli in the afternoon. Her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Jermelle Byers, confronted her about rumors of infidelity while their SUV idled outside. Lachell entered the store to calm down. Seconds later, Jermelle stormed in with a gun. He shot Lachell first.

Hearing the commotion, Dennis chased Jermelle. Byers turned and fired again, killing Dennis with a shot to the face and neck. Panic erupted as onlookers fled. When police arrived, Byers pointed his weapon at officers. A two-hour standoff began, leaving the small deli a blood-soaked crime scene.

The Investigation and Arrest

Officers retreated as Byers fired at them from inside the deli. Negotiations continued until a wounded Byers was subdued by return fire. He was taken to a nearby hospital, treated for a gunshot wound, and then booked on multiple charges.

Detectives uncovered that Lachell’s alleged infidelity had sparked the deadly argument. Byers told police Lachell pulled a gun on him first, so he returned inside with his firearm. He then claimed Dennis approached with a hammer. Authorities believe the hammer was planted to justify the second killing.

Family Reactions and Community Grief

News of the deaths devastated both families. Dennis’ brother David Edwards said, “Neither one of them deserved this. It’s very sad,” and added that Byers’ guilty plea brought “closure to the family.” Lachell’s sister Lanita described her as “kind-hearted and full of life.” Friends left flowers outside the deli, while local businesses observed moments of silence.

Kansas City police officers remembered Dennis as a peacemaker who often helped diffuse conflicts. The community grieved not only for two lives lost, but for trust ruptured. Domestic violence awareness events in the area surged as people vowed to watch for warning signs.

The Killer’s Fate: Jermelle Byers Today

In August 2021, Byers avoided trial by pleading guilty to two counts of first-degree felony murder. He admitted to shooting Lachell and Dennis, facing life sentences for each count. Byers also pleaded guilty to aggravated assault on an officer and another firearm charge. On May 29, 2025, a judge formally sentenced him to two life sentences without the possibility of release until March 2071, when he may become parole eligible.

He is currently incarcerated at El Dorado Correctional Facility in Kansas. Byers remains largely silent about his motives. Court documents suggest he struggled with anger and jealousy, but his plea spared families a prolonged trial.

A Legacy of Awareness and Prevention

This tragedy spotlighted the deadly consequences of uncontrolled rage and intimate partner violence. Faith leaders held vigils urging love to trump anger. Domestic violence hotlines in Kansas City saw a 20 percent increase in calls after the murders. Local schools invited counselors to teach students healthy conflict resolution.

Community groups installed better security cameras in small businesses after hearing about the deli shooting. Researchers use this case to study how arguments escalate into lethal violence. Medical professionals warn that on-again, off-again relationships can heighten the risk of fatal outcomes when trust erodes.

Final Words

The killings of Lachell Day and Dennis Edwards remind us how quickly love can turn to tragedy when jealousy and violence collide. Two vibrant lives ended within seconds that July afternoon. Families still mourn, and the community carries scars. Yet from their loss emerged a more substantial commitment to spot warning signs and protect loved ones.

 Learning from this heartache, people vow to choose empathy over anger. As Jermelle Byers serves his sentence, hope remains that better mental health care and domestic violence prevention programs will spare others from similar heartbreak.

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