Texas Realtor Ashlee Long Fatally Shot After Street Encounter; Companion William Kistler and Suspect Kendrick Finch Both Face Charges
Ashlee Long, a 28-year-old Texas real estate agent, was tragically shot and killed in downtown Dallas on April 5, 2025, after a brief street altercation involving a passing Mercedes-Benz. Her companion, 26-year-old William Kistler, who has a lengthy criminal record, survived the incident but now faces felony gun charges.
According to FOX 4 Dallas, Long and a group of friends, including Kistler, were leaving a bar when Kistler allegedly brushed his hand against a Mercedes as it drove by. Police say that 34-year-old Kendrick Finch, a passenger in the vehicle, exited with a firearm and began shooting.
An arrest affidavit states that Kistler reached into Long’s purse to retrieve a gun just before Finch opened fire, striking both Long and Kistler. Long later died at the hospital, while Kistler survived and fired back at Finch, who fled the scene.
Finch, who has prior convictions for drug offenses and burglary, later turned himself in and has been charged with murder. Prosecutors allege that Finch fired at least eight rounds on a crowded street, posing a serious danger to the public.
Defense attorney Josh Healy argued in court that Finch acted in self-defense, claiming Kistler instigated the incident and attempted to retrieve a firearm first. Healy asserted that video footage supports his client's actions as lawful under Texas self-defense statutes.
Healy also questioned Kistler's behavior leading up to the shooting, claiming he appeared aggressive and intoxicated. Toxicology reports for both men are still pending.
Kistler is currently jailed in Collin County on a felony charge of unlawful possession of a firearm. His criminal history includes multiple misdemeanor convictions, including assault and theft, as well as two ongoing cases — a 2019 burglary indictment and a reopened 2022 case involving a vehicle accident.
Finch appeared in court on May 7 to request a bond reduction, which was denied. He was later released on May 13 after posting a $500,000 bond.
Ashlee Long’s father, Henry Long, has publicly called for Finch to remain incarcerated, emphasizing the devastating impact of his daughter's death.
"Ashlee’s life mattered. And so does justice," he wrote on Facebook. "Kendrick Finch made the choice to kill. He should not be given the opportunity to walk free and make that choice again."
The case continues to unfold as both Finch and Kistler await further legal proceedings.