Two Kansas City area men are facing murder charges after the death of former North Central Missouri College basketball player, Kamaren “Kam” Bevel on Friday, June 16th in the University City neighborhood of St. Louis.
Jaylen Pouncil, a 19-year-old from Liberty, Missouri, and Jakoby Thomas, a 20-year-old from Grandview, Missouri, have both been charged with second-degree murder and first-degree assault in relation to the shooting. Additionally, Thomas faces two additional counts of armed criminal action.
According to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Bevel was fatally shot on a residential street in the 1400 block of Mount Vernon Avenue. Court documents state that shots fired from a Pontiac G8 struck Bevel and another man. Bevel lost his life at the scene, while the other man was hospitalized but survived the attack.
Bevel had recently committed to playing NAIA basketball for William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa, starting in the fall as he entered his junior year. Prior to this, he had played two seasons with the North Central Missouri College Pirates. Bevel graduated from Confluence Preparatory Academy in St. Louis in 2021.
University City police were able to locate Pouncil after examining Bevel’s phone, which revealed that the two had plans to meet on the night of the incident. During the investigation, Pouncil admitted to driving the Pontiac but claimed that it was Thomas who opened fire.
Further evidence was found during a search of Thomas’ residence. Police discovered a black sweatshirt with a red “V” design, matching the description provided by a witness regarding the shooter’s clothing. Additionally, investigators uncovered a gun that matched the type of weapon used in the fatal shooting, concealed in an air vent.
Jaylen Pouncil’s bail has been set at $100,000, cash only, while Thomas has been denied bond. The legal process will continue to unfold as the case progresses.
