Chilling surveillance details released in murder case of Miami rapper Key Vhani claiming self-defense

“HE THREATENED TO KILL ME”!!! BELIEVE IT OR NOT, PROSECUTORS SAY RAPPER KEVHANI CAMILLA HICKS OPENED FIRE ON A MAN WALKING AWAY AFTER A STREET ALTERCATION… AND SHE NOW FACES A SECOND-DEGREE MURDER CHARGE AS A JUDGE WEIGHS HER SELF-DEFENSE CLAIM.

On October 9, 2023, officers responded to a shooting in Miami, Florida.

The shooting occurred at around 1:35 a.m.

Responding officers found a man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

Officers also found a woman nearby who had sustained blunt-force injuries.

Both individuals were transported to a hospital.

The wounded man died from his injuries at the hospital.

The deceased victim was later identified as Omar Demitrie Harris.

Investigators identified the injured woman as 27-year-old Kevhani Camilla Hicks.

Hicks is a rapper who performs under the name Key Vhani.

According to investigators, Hicks had gone out that night with her manager, Nathan Smith.

The pair had gone out to distribute promotional materials for her music.

Smith was accompanied by Harris.

Harris was a friend whom Hicks had reportedly not met before that night.

Court records indicate tension developed between Hicks and Harris during the evening.

An argument between them eventually turned physical.

The physical confrontation occurred in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood.

Surveillance footage showed Hicks exit a white Lexus.

Smith then got out of the vehicle.

Smith became involved in a physical confrontation with Hicks.

Harris then exited the rear of the vehicle.

Harris also became involved in the altercation.

Investigators said Harris dragged Hicks onto a sidewalk.

Hicks attempted to stand.

Harris pushed her back down after she tried to get up.

A homicide detective later testified about the physical encounter.

The detective testified that Harris held Hicks by the cuff of her pants.

Harris yelled near her face during the encounter.

Smith attempted to pull Harris away from her.

The detective estimated Hicks weighed less than 110 pounds at the time.

Harris weighed approximately 215 to 220 pounds.

Hicks was eventually able to get away.

She gathered her belongings from the ground.

She began walking away.

Harris briefly followed her while continuing to yell.

Then Harris turned back toward the Lexus.

Hicks later told investigators that Harris threatened to kill her.

She told police she believed he was still behind her.

Hicks reached into her purse.

She retrieved a 9mm handgun from the bag.

Hicks then turned and opened fire.

According to prosecutors, surveillance footage showed Harris had already turned away before Hicks began shooting.

The footage showed Harris walking back toward the vehicle.

Prosecutors allege Harris ran as Hicks continued firing in his direction.

Harris fell to the ground.

After Harris fell, prosecutors said he attempted to crawl away.

Investigators recovered 10 spent 9mm cartridge casings from the scene.

Officers also recovered two projectiles.

A Taurus 9mm handgun was recovered from the scene by investigators.

Harris suffered three gunshot wounds.

After the shooting, Smith struck Hicks with the Lexus as he fled the area.

Hicks suffered blunt-force injuries, road rash and broken ribs.

Medical personnel examined the broken ribs.

They were unable to determine whether the rib fractures were caused by the physical altercation or being struck by the vehicle.

Hicks was treated and released from the hospital.

After her release, Hicks was interviewed by investigators.

Hicks maintained that she feared for her life.

She told detectives that Harris had attacked her.

She noted that Harris was significantly larger than her.

She stated that Harris had threatened to kill her.

Investigators initially allowed Hicks to leave while they continued reviewing evidence.

Yet detectives obtained additional surveillance footage.

A homicide detective later testified that higher-quality surveillance footage showed Harris turning away before Hicks began shooting.

Based on the additional footage, investigators arrested Hicks.

Authorities charged Hicks with second-degree murder.

On October 10, 2023, Hicks appeared in court.

Her public defender argued during the appearance that the shooting was a case of self-defense.

A judge found probable cause for the second-degree murder charge.

The judge initially denied bond.

The denial cited surveillance footage that showed Harris walking away before Hicks opened fire.

Hicks was later granted a $50,000 bond.

She was placed on house arrest.

In July 2026, Hicks filed a motion seeking dismissal of the murder charge.

The motion seeks immunity from prosecution under Florida’s Stand Your Ground law.

Her attorneys argue Hicks acted in self-defense after being physically attacked and threatened by Harris.

Hicks’ attorneys maintain that she believed Harris remained a threat following the attack.

Prosecutors oppose the motion.

In an August 21, 2026, filing, prosecutors alleged Hicks walked approximately 10 steps before retrieving the gun from her purse.

Prosecutors alleged she fired at Harris as he moved away.

Prosecutors further allege Hicks followed Harris while continuing to fire.

They allege that after Harris fell and attempted to crawl away, Hicks repositioned herself and fired additional shots.

During a July 2026 deposition, a medical examiner testified about the gunshot wounds.

The medical examiner testified that Harris suffered two fatal gunshot wounds.

Both fatal rounds entered through his back and penetrated his lungs.

A third bullet struck Harris in the leg and was not fatal.

No weapon was recovered from Harris.

Prosecutors argue any immediate threat had ended before Hicks opened fire.

The state argues that her actions as Harris attempted to flee were not justified.

A hearing on Hicks’ Stand Your Ground motion was initially scheduled for August 31, 2026.

That hearing was continued.

The hearing is now scheduled for September 16, 2026.

The charges are allegations and have not been proven in court.