Crime
Khayla Dawson murdered her Uber driver Jeremy Campbell and dumped his body in a field
Authorities in Colorado have arrested and charged 27-year-old Khayla Dawson, a former collegiate and Olympic trial shot put athlete, in connection with the murder of Uber driver Jeremy Campbell, 38, of Colorado Springs.
The shocking incident occurred in October 2025 and has left the local community stunned.
According to the Colorado Springs Police Department, Dawson allegedly ordered an Uber late in the evening, telling investigators she “felt cooped up” and wanted to go for a “joy ride.”
The driver assigned to pick her up was Jeremy Campbell — a 38-year-old husband and father who worked for Uber to support his family while managing limited mobility from partial paralysis.
Once inside Campbell’s vehicle, investigators say Dawson brought with her a large butcher knife from her apartment.
During the ride, she allegedly attacked Campbell from the back seat, stabbing him multiple times.
Authorities believe Campbell tried to defend himself but succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.
Police allege that Dawson then drove Campbell’s vehicle to a nearby rural area, where she dumped his body in a field before returning to her apartment in the stolen car.
Upon arriving home, she reportedly hid Campbell’s wallet and the car’s key fob inside a box of dryer sheets, attempting to conceal evidence.
When Campbell failed to return home, his family reported him missing. His body was discovered the following day in a field on the outskirts of Colorado Springs. Detectives traced the vehicle’s GPS data and quickly identified Dawson as the last passenger he had transported.
Upon questioning, Dawson initially claimed that Campbell had attempted to assault her, stating that she acted in self-defense.
However, investigators found no evidence supporting her account. Instead, the forensic evidence and timeline of events reportedly point toward a premeditated act.
Authorities also confirmed that Dawson had no prior relationship or connection with Campbell before ordering the ride.
Khayla Dawson has been formally charged with:
- First-Degree Murder
- Aggravated Robbery
- Tampering with Physical Evidence
She remains in custody at the El Paso County Jail without bond pending her preliminary hearing.
Jeremy Campbell was a well-loved member of his community — described by friends and family as a devoted father and hardworking individual who overcame physical challenges to provide for his loved ones.
He had limited mobility due to a prior medical condition but continued to work full-time as an Uber driver to support his two young children.
The murder has sparked outrage and disbelief across Colorado Springs, with community members organizing vigils and fundraisers in memory of Campbell.
A family spokesperson shared in a statement:
“Jeremy was a kind, patient, and loving person who would have done anything for his family. His life was senselessly taken by an act of pure violence. We are devastated and praying for justice.”
The Colorado Springs Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office continue to investigate, with prosecutors indicating that the case will be pursued as a premeditated homicide.
Officials are urging the public to avoid speculation as the investigation progresses, and they have assured Campbell’s family that “every effort will be made to bring the perpetrator to justice.”
Orlando, Fla. — Family and friends of 33-year-old Julien Emmanuel Cruz are seeking answers and accountability following his fatal shooting outside a popular LGBTQ+ nightclub early Sunday morning.
According to the Orlando Police Department, officers responded at approximately 2:31 a.m. on February 22, 2026, to the 1900 block of North Orange Avenue, just north of Lake Ivanhoe, in reference to a reported shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located Cruz suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. Authorities confirmed Cruz was born May 18, 1992.
Detectives determined that prior to the shooting, Cruz and the suspect were involved in a verbal and physical altercation on the sidewalk outside the nightclub district. Investigators say that during the dispute, the suspect retrieved a firearm from his vehicle and shot Cruz.
The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle, which patrol officers later located in the 200 block of East New Hampshire Avenue, approximately two blocks from where the shooting occurred.
Police subsequently arrested 37-year-old Jean Gabriel Borja Gil De La Madr (DOB: October 29, 1988). He has been charged with Second Degree Murder with a Firearm. Authorities confirmed this case marks the third homicide in Orlando in 2026.
Cruz’s father, Anthony Cruz, said his son and his partner had been at Savoy Orlando enjoying the evening before the violence unfolded.
According to the family, as the couple exited the club after closing time, a vehicle sped past them. Cruz’s partner allegedly yelled toward the occupants of the vehicle, prompting the car to stop. A physical altercation then reportedly began between Cruz’s partner and one of the individuals from the vehicle.
“When they fought, my son saw that was happening. My son went to intervene, and when he intervened, another guy got out of the car, and he got shot,” Anthony Cruz said. “My son didn’t deserve what happened. All I have left is a shirt — a shirt with a bullet hole.”
While police have charged Borja Gil De La Madr, Cruz’s family maintains that another individual may have been directly responsible for pulling the trigger. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether additional suspects are being sought.
A small memorial has formed across from the nightclub, where members of the community have gathered to honor Cruz’s memory.
Joshua Cooper, owner of Savoy Orlando, said the tragedy has deeply impacted the LGBTQ+ community, even though the shooting occurred off the club’s property.
“I didn’t know the victim, but from everything I’ve been told, I wish I had,” Cooper said. “He seemed like a great kid. Seeing a family that is so heartbroken and so supportive of this community says so much.”
The Orlando Police Department has not released additional information regarding potential additional suspects. Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation and shooting.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Orlando Police Department or Crimeline.
The investigation remains active.