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The family of Ashlee Long, a 28-year-old Houston Realtor fatally shot during a night out in Dallas, is calling for urgent bail reform in Texas after her accused killer was released on bond, FOX 4 News KDFW reported.
Long’s family is channeling their grief into advocacy, having launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover travel expenses, legal fees and public outreach efforts related to bond reform. Long’s stepsister, Gillian Kimber, also created justiceforeashlee.com, a website where people can contact Texas lawmakers to demand changes to the state’s bail laws.
“I feel like you shouldn’t be able to murder someone and get out on bail,” Kimber said. “As a family member, to have that possibility of seeing someone like that in public, I don’t think that is right or just.”
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The family is working alongside Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who recently voiced support for amending the state’s constitution to restrict bail eligibility for those charged with violent crimes.
“Bond reform is something that our family is going to stay on for years. Not only for Ashlee, but for anyone,” Kimber added.
On April 5, Long was out with friends in downtown Dallas when a confrontation escalated into gunfire. Around 2 a.m., Long and her group were walking near the 1800 block of Main Street when William Kistler, 36, brushed his hand against a white Mercedes.
According to Dallas police, the luxury vehicle stopped shortly after, and Kendrick Finch, 36, exited the passenger side of the car with a firearm. Surveillance video captured what followed next — Kistler grabbed a gun from Long’s purse, and Finch then opened fire.
Both Kistler and Long were shot. Kistler survived his injuries, while Long later died from her injuries at the hospital.
Finch fled the scene and was arrested about two weeks later after police asked for the public’s assistance in locating him.
He was charged with murder and released on May 13 after posting a $500,000 bond. A judge had earlier denied a motion to reduce his bail.
Finch is now subject to strict bond conditions, including wearing an ankle monitor, undergoing random drug testing and a prohibition on firearm possession.
During Finch’s bond hearing, prosecutors argued Finch escalated the situation by being the first to draw and fire a weapon — firing at least eight times in a crowded downtown area.
“Mr. Finch must own that he was the first one to step out with a gun,” a prosecutor said.
Finch’s defense claims he acted in self-defense.
“We know for sure Ashlee Long would be alive today except for William Kistler. William Kistler is the one who started everything that night. It showed in the video,” Finch’s defense attorney said.
Finch has a prior criminal record, including drug and burglary charges.
Kistler has also been charged with unlawful possession of a firearm in connection with the shooting incident. He is currently being held in the Collin County Jail on unrelated charges from 2023, including burglary of a habitation and an accident involving damage to a vehicle.
William Kistler | Collin County Sheriff’s Office
Long was a real estate agent with Century 21 Western Realty, serving the Katy, Texas, area at the time of her death. She joined the firm in July 2024 after previously working with Keller Williams and Magnolia Realty.
“We loved Ashlee. When I first met her, it was obvious that she was beautiful, but it took no time at all to see that she was even more beautiful inside,” Century 21 Western Realty Co-Owner Kelly Post told Inman.
“She was incredibly smart and very giving. She had a way of making everyone feel special. Her bright spirit and warm laughter were contagious. She was a great REALTOR and was on her way to becoming a top producer. I miss her so much, and her family have continually been in our prayers.”
Aside from contributing to bail reform, Long’s family hopes that people continue to remember her for who she was.
“Ashlee Long was the kind of person who lit up a room without even trying — always the loudest laugh, the best outfit, and somehow the one who remembered everyone’s birthday and their coffee order. She was 28, sassy in the best way, and building an incredible career in real estate — chasing her goals with perfect lip gloss, spreadsheets and a hustle that never took a day off,” the Justice for Ashlee website reads.
This article has been edited to include comment from Century 21 Western Realty.
