A significant legal proceeding took place in Dallas County Court on a recent Wednesday, as the bond reduction hearing for Kendrick Finch, the suspect charged in the killing of a Houston-area real estate agent, was held. Finch, 34, has been accused of the tragic death of Ashley Long, a visiting realtor from Southeast Texas, during a deadly shootout that occurred on the streets of Downtown Dallas on April 5th, 2025. The court hearing lasted nearly two hours, where Finch’s defense team sought to have his $500,000 bond reduced, calling it excessive for a non-capital murder case.
Surveillance Video Reveals Deadly Encounter
During the hearing, surveillance footage from the incident was played in court. The video depicted the chilling sequence of events that unfolded on Main Street, where Finch allegedly played a pivotal role in the deadly confrontation. The footage showed Ashley Long, 28, and her friend William Kistler, 36, walking on the street as a Mercedes passed by. The encounter took a violent turn when Kistler brushed the passing car with his hand, prompting the vehicle to stop abruptly. In the video, Kistler can be seen attempting to retrieve a handgun from Long’s purse, which was seized by Finch, who then stepped out of the car, armed with a gun.
The prosecution emphasized Finch’s role as the aggressor in the situation. The lead homicide detective, who was the state’s only witness, confirmed that Finch’s gun was pointed at both Long and Kistler before Long collapsed to the ground. The detective speculated that Finch may have fired first, stating that it appeared Kistler was aiming his weapon at Finch after Long fell. However, the defense team, led by attorney Josh Healy, argued that the situation was one of self-defense. Healy asserted that Kistler had been fighting to retrieve the gun and had advanced toward Finch, giving him the legal right to defend himself.
Legal Arguments on Bond Reduction
The defense team’s main objective during the hearing was to secure a reduction in Finch’s bond, claiming that the original $500,000 bond was unjust and disproportionate for a non-capital murder case. Healy argued that Finch acted in self-defense, emphasizing the chaotic nature of the confrontation where Kistler allegedly approached Finch with a weapon.
In contrast, the prosecution presented a strong argument to uphold the bond, describing Finch as a risk to the community. The prosecution pointed out that Finch fired his weapon at least eight times in a crowded, residential-commercial street, putting innocent bystanders and passing vehicles in grave danger. The fact that the incident took place in a public area, where pedestrians and cars were nearby, was crucial in portraying Finch as a significant threat to public safety.
The Judge’s Decision
After reviewing all of the evidence presented, the judge ultimately decided to uphold the $500,000 bond, denying the request for a reduction. The judge’s decision was influenced by the severity of the situation, the risk posed to the community, and the chaotic nature of the shooting. Finch’s actions, as captured in the surveillance video, painted a picture of reckless behavior, leading the judge to conclude that reducing the bond would not be appropriate.
Family Members in Court
Both the victim’s and the defendant’s families attended the hearing, filling the courtroom. The emotional weight of the case was palpable, but neither family chose to speak to the media after the hearing concluded. The tragic loss of Ashley Long, a visiting realtor, and the ongoing legal battle left the families in a state of grief and uncertainty.
Ongoing Legal Process
Despite the denial of the bond reduction, the legal proceedings are far from over. Finch is still facing serious charges related to the shooting, and the next steps will involve further court proceedings, where evidence and testimonies will continue to be examined. The case has attracted significant attention, particularly due to the nature of the incident and the ongoing questions surrounding self-defense and the justification for the use of lethal force in such situations.
The tragic event, which began as a seemingly minor interaction on a public street, escalated into a deadly confrontation that has left both the victim’s family and the suspect’s family grappling with the aftermath. As the case progresses, more details will emerge, and the community of Dallas will be watching closely, hoping for justice for Ashley Long while grappling with the complex legal issues surrounding self-defense and the use of firearms in public spaces.
