Kentucky man arrested on suspicion of killing the mother of his children after custody exchange

LATONIA, Ky. (TCD) -- A 38-year-old convicted felon stands accused of killing the mother of his children over the weekend.

According to the Covington Police Department, on Saturday, Jan. 6, shortly after 3 p.m., officers responded to the 300 block of West 34th Street in reference to a shooting. Police found 25-year-old Kierra Lane suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, and she died at the scene.

Officers allege Mario Payne killed Lane, and they obtained a warrant for his arrest on charges of murder and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon. In a news release, the Kenton County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office said the victim and Payne shared two children.

According to newly filed court records obtained by WXIX-TV, before Lane’s death, she exchanged custody of her kids with their father at another location, and then Payne followed Lane home to grab clothes for their kids so they could sleep at his home.

Multiple witnesses reportedly saw Payne and Lane argue on Lane’s front porch. Payne allegedly grabbed a handgun from his car and then shot Lane multiple times as she tried to get back inside her house. According to WXIX, Payne left his kids at the scene and fled.

A woman who also shares a child with Payne reportedly told police he had called her and "stated something to the effect of 'I really f---ed up!'" However, WXIX reports Payne didn’t share any further details with the female witness.

Police located Payne in Louisville on Monday, Jan. 8, at around 11:15 a.m., and took him into custody.

Prior to the alleged shooting, WXIX reports Payne had been convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance, trafficking in marijuana, and possession of a controlled substance.

MORE:

• News Release - Covington Police Department
• Wanted - Kenton County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office
• Man charged with killing mother of his children taken into custody: Prosecutor - WXIX