Former boyfriend Ocastor Ferguson charged with murder in death of Kayla Kelley

COLLIN COUNTY, Texas — Authorities in Collin County have charged suspect Ocastor Ferguson with murder in the death of Kayla Kelley.

Additional charges brought against Ferguson include arson and kidnapping.

The medical examiner's website identified Kelley as having been found in a "clandestine grave, wooded area" near the 2800 block of Prairie Oak Boulevard in Grand Prairie Wednesday evening. Her body was found less than a mile from the home of Ocastor Ferguson, who is suspected of kidnapping Kelley. 

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Kelley was first reported missing on Jan. 11, 2023, by her friends after they didn't see her for several days, according to the Collin County Sheriff's Office.

Ferguson, 32, was first arrested on a kidnapping charge during the investigation and he was booked into jail on a $1 million bond. Early Thursday, a new charge of arson was added to Ferguson's case, according to the Collin County Sheriff's Office, but further details were not released. The arson charge was from the Frisco Police Department.

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According to an affidavit, Ferguson and Kelley had been dating, although Ferguson had told Kelley his name was Kevin. The affidavit stated that, after finding out his real identity, Kelley then learned Ferguson was married.

The affidavit stated that Kelley's vehicle had been found "burned beyond recognition" in a remote area of Frisco on Jan. 12.

Ferguson's vehicle, which was reported stolen by his wife, would eventually be found near Kelley's residence, according to the affidavit. Authorities said that phone records also showed that Ferguson had driven to the area where Kelley's vehicle was found.

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The affidavit stated that Ferguson denied knowing what happened to Kelley.

According to the affidavit, text messages between Kelley and Ferguson showed that Kelley said she would tell his wife about their affair if he didn't answer her.

Ferguson told investigators he and Kelley met online and started dating in 2022 and that he used a fake name. He said Kelley eventually learned his real identity.

Ferguson remains in Collin County jail on a $1 million bond.