KPD Arrests Murder Suspect

Killeen, TX (November 4, 2020) 

Through the investigation, Detectives with the Homicide Unit received information from a witness that 20-year-old Cory Grafton was at the scene at the time Chelsea Cheatham was murdered.  With the assistance from the Texas Rangers, DNA from the scene was submitted and the results  confirmed that Grafton matched the DNA located on Cheatham.  On November 3, 2020, detectives with the Homicide Unit obtained a warrant for Murder and shortly after 4:00 p.m., the warrant was executed.  Grafton was taken into custody and transported to the Killeen City Jail. 

We would like to thank the Texas Rangers and the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Program for their assistance in this Murder case.

Killeen Police Investigates a Homicide at Days Inn.

On Monday, June 3, 2019, at approximately 10:39 p.m., Killeen Police were dispatched to the Days Inn located at 1602 E. Central Texas Expressway in reference to a female that was unconscious and not breathing.  Officers’ immediately started to perform life saving measures until paramedics arrived.  The victim, 32 year-old Chelsea Lynell Cheatham was pronounced deceased at 11:35 p.m. by Justice of the Peace Daryl Peters.  He ordered an autopsy to be performed at the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas.

At the time of the incident it was unknown if her death was by natural causes and an investigation was initiated.  Detectives with the Homicide Unit recently received the results of the autopsy and it was determined the manner of death was ruled a homicide. 

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department