Judge Sentences Willhite to 40–70 Years for 2021 Felony Murder
Published on November 24, 2025
The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety (KDPS) announces that 24-year-old Isaiah Jacole Willhite has been sentenced for his role in the 2021 home invasion and fatal shooting of Gerryon Kye.
On Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, Kalamazoo County Circuit Court Judge Rebecca De’Angelo sentenced Willhite to 40–70 years for felony murder and 2 years for felony firearm, to be served consecutively. With an additional 703 days of credit for time served, Willhite will serve a minimum of approximately 42 years.
Willhite was previously convicted by a jury on July 17, 2025, of the following charges:
- Homicide – Felony Murder (Sentence: 40–70 years)
- Weapons – Felony Firearm (Sentence: 2 years consecutive)
- Home Invasion – First Degree (Sentence: 10-20 years concurrent)
- Weapons – Felony Firearm (Sentence: 2 years concurrent)
- Robbery – Armed (Sentence: 15-30 years concurrent)
- Weapons – Felony Firearm (Sentence: 2 years concurrent)
The charges stem from the June 26, 2021, incident in which KDPS officers responded to a residence in the 1300 block of N. Rose Street after reports of a shooting. Officers located 33-year-old Gerryon Kye with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite immediate medical efforts, Mr. Kye died at the scene.
Investigators determined that two masked individuals forced their way into the home during an armed robbery and shot Mr. Kye. Willhite was later identified as one of the suspects and arrested. His co-defendant, Julius Curtis Robinson Jr., is currently in federal custody out of state, awaiting transport back to Michigan.
“This sentence represents a significant step forward for a family and a community that has carried the weight of this loss for more than four years,” said Capt. Danielle Guilds, commander of the Criminal Investigations Division. “Our detectives remained steadfast throughout this investigation, and we are grateful for the collaboration between prosecutors, witnesses, and community members who helped bring accountability in this case. While no sentence can replace a life taken, we hope today’s outcome offers some measure of closure for those who loved Mr. Kye.”
KDPS remains committed to protecting the community and ensuring that those responsible for criminal acts are held accountable.
By authority of: Public Information Officer Zach Hamelton