The Murder of Tierra Hall
For this case, I watched another episode of See No Evil (surprise, surprise!). It’s season 9 episode 8, titled ‘Savage By Name.’
A 17-year-old is found dead after leaving her high school.
Background
Tierra Hall lived with her mother, Koteya, in Durham, North Carolina. Three years earlier they had moved from Texas, but Tierra was settling into her new life in Durham. At the time of her death, she was attending Jordan High School.
Tierra was described as goofy, and was always making faces to make someone laugh. Tierra could make friends with anyone, but was especially close with her best friend Amya. Tierra and Amya were described as two peas in a pod, and had plans to spend the upcoming spring break together.
Tierra Hall
The Last Day of School
On Friday, March 27, 2015, Tierra was getting ready for the last day of school before spring break. Tierra told her mom she loved her, and left for the day.
Tierra never came home that night, but Koteya just thought she was with friends.
The next day, on March 28, the police received a 911 call. A man said he and his girlfriend discovered what they thought was a woman sleeping at an abandoned house on Trotter Ridge. This house was just 2 miles from Jordan High School.
The police arrived, and knew immediately that the young victim was deceased. She was a young black female, wearing gray sweatpants, and a t-shirt with Elmo on the front.
The crime scene was described as brutal. Tierra had been stabbed 14 times, and had injuries to her head, neck, face and chest. Near the body, was a phone case, and graffiti that read, ‘King K Tha Savage.’
Inside her pocket, the police found a hall pass from Jordan High School. The high school had several surveillance cameras, so they reached out the assistant principal, Michael Irving.
Identifying Tierra
Michael said he received a phone call while he was checking emails. He met the police at the high school, and went through the cameras.
The police knew what Tierra was wearing, and how she had her hair styled. Soon, she was spotted walking through the hallways, just going about her day.
Tierra walked into a classroom. The police walked into the classroom, and found Tierra’s backpack. The classroom computer was also left on, and her name was in the bottom corner.
Michael said he it was a shocking moment, as he had known Tierra since she was a freshman.
Koteya was notified about her daughter’s death. She said she didn’t hear much of the conversation after the police said they needed to inform her about something. Koteya said she didn’t know why anyone would want to hurt Tierra, and still doesn't understand to this day why it happened.
Koteya was able to tell the police about seeing Tierra before she left for school, and that she didn’t come home that night. Koteya also gave the police Tierra’s cell phone number, so they could analyze her records. They weren’t able to find her cell phone at the scene.
The Surveillance
On Sunday, March 29, the police canvassed the area near the crime scene.
Several witnesses did say they saw or heard either a suspicious car, or the scream from a female. One witness said they knew that one of the neighbors had surveillance cameras. The homeowner was more than happy to help, and let the police watch their footage.
A black SUV can be seen driving in the area, however, it turned out that the car wasn’t involved.
Around 12:40pm, a male figure was seen walking down the road in the direction of the Trotter Ridge house. Tierra follows him just a minute or so later.
The police went back to Jordan High School, and were able to find footage of this male student and Tierra interacting. He was tall with dreads, wearing a red long sleeved shirt, and blue pants. At first, the conversation seemed friendly, until he is seen snatching something from Tierra. It was believed that he took her cell phone.
The cameras followed him and Tierra walking out of the school, and about 2 miles in the direction of the the Trotter Ridge house. The male returns to school alone, and walks into the bathroom with his long sleeves pulled over his hands.
The male eventually leaves school with an older female. He was last seen wearing a black jacket and backpack.
The Motive
The police contacted Michael Irving again. Michael was able to identify the male student as Kelton Fox, Tierra’s ex-boyfriend.
Michael said he saw Kelton that day. Kelton told him he wasn't feeling well, and was picked up in the office by his mom.
The police went back to the high school to search and swab the men’s bathroom. Inside the bathroom, the police found traces of blood. Kelton had blood on his hands, and came into the bathroom to wash it off.
On Tuesday, March 31, 2015, Kelton Fox was arrested. The police asked him if he knew why he was in handcuffs. He replied, “because one of my friends is gone, and they need to find out who did it.”
Kelton’s mom was hysterical when they told her that Kelton was being arrested for murder. Kelton and his mom were both taken to the police station. Kelton denied being involved, and said he never left the school property.
A warrant had been obtained for their home. In Kelton’s bedroom, the police found several knives and axes. They found notebooks with ‘King K Tha Savage,’ and several pages outlining Kelton’s obsession with Tierra.
Kelton had written that he believed Tierra cheated on him. He couldn’t take it, and also wrote some dark things, including, “killing is my hobby.”
Kelton’s mom said she knew that Kelton carried a pocketknife with him. But, she was obviously in shock that her son could kill another human being.
Kelton’s shoes were confiscated at the station. They had traces of blood, which was tested. The blood came back as being Tierra’s blood.
The Plea Deal
On Thursday, June 14, 2018, Kelton Fox pled guilty to second degree murder. He was sentenced to 12-15 years in prison.
The police weren’t able to prove that it was premeditated. However, the police believed Kelton had taken Tierra’s phone knowing she would follow him. Kelton lured Tierra away from school, and killed her. He was obsessed with her, and knew that he couldn’t have her. Tierra was able to scream once, but Kelton overpowered her.
Kelton Fox
FINAL THOUGHTS
Kelton deserves a lot longer in prison. This crime stunned even seasoned investigators due to the brutality of the scene. Tierra was only 17, and had her whole life ahead of her. I don’t think Kelton was well. He not only became obsessed with Tierra, but had dark thoughts about killing and being a savage. I think he created an alter ego, and decided to act on it.
My heart breaks for Koteya. She saw Tierra leave for school, and never saw her again. I’m sure she’s grateful for her time with her daughter, and that she got to say one last I love you.
Sources
https://thecinemaholic.com/tierra-hall-murder-where-is-kelton-breshon-fox-now/
https://abc11.com/tierra-hall-high-school-student-murder/594893/
https://www.wral.com/man-pleads-guilty-in-2015-slaying-of-ex-girlfriend-in-durham/17627275/
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/kelton-fox-pleads-guilty-murder-215147026.html
