When Kayla Kelley, 33, of McKinney, Texas went missing on January 11, 2023, suspicions quickly turned to her boyfriend, whom authorities immediately began to question.

Authorities in Collin County arrested Ocastor Ferguson, 32, and have charged him with murder, kidnapping and arson in connection with Kelley’s death after her body was found in shallow grave.

Now Texas authorities have released a motive in the crime, which has made national headlines. Ferguson allegedly killed Kelley after she found out he was married and said she would tell his wife, police said. Kelley reportedly told some of her friends that she would out Ferguson as well.

According to authorities, Kelley and Ferguson met online this past summer and sparked a months-long romance. Instead of using his real name, he went by “Kevin Brown” when corresponding with Kelley, police said.

After finding out his true identity, Kelley threatened to expose Ferguson to his wife — and that’s purportedly what she did.

According to a police affidavit, Ferguson’s wife got a text message from an unknown number on January 4, saying that they needed to talk.

When confronted by police after Kelley vanished, Ferguson admitted to having an affair and said that he had not seen Kelley since she dropped him off from work that morning.

Tapping into his phone records, police were able to piece together Ferguson’s movements around the time that Kelley disappeared., including that he went to her home and the remote area of Frisco, Texas, where her car was later discovered.

It was also reported that Ferguson’s wife’s car was found near Kelley’s home. Inside the vehicle were gloves, duct tape, and a blanket, according to the affidavit.

“While we desperately hoped for a different outcome, I’m grateful for the dogged determination of my deputies and our Texas Rangers in locating Ms. Kelley,” Collin County Sheriff Jim Skinner said after her body was identified.

Authorities still need help in this case. Anyone who may have information on Kelley's disappearance is urged to call the sheriff's office at 972-547-5100 or text 847411.

Missing Persons Resources

FBI's Kidnapping and Missing Persons Investigations
Law enforcement authorities are looking for information which may lead to the location of these individuals.

• National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)
  This Internet-based tool allows investigators, forensics professionals, and the public to cross-reference records of missing persons and unidentified remains, and helps bring answers to families of the missing.

• Tribal Justice and Safety Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons
  Department law enforcement components working with Tribal nations to address the important issues of missing or murdered indigenous persons.

• Violent Criminal Apprehension Program (ViCAP)
  Lists missing persons and unidentified persons who may be victims of foul play.