Man is charged in girlfriend’s fatal beating

Jackson County prosecutors have charged a 42-year-old man with second-degree murder, accusing him of beating his girlfriend to death in Kansas City.

Court records said Lamont C. Kemp brought Laquita A. Long, 34, to his home in the 7400 block of College Avenue on Tuesday night and confronted her about rumors that she was “messing around” on him.

They argued outside. He allegedly beat her with his fists.

Wednesday morning, police said, Kemp called 911 and told dispatchers about the fatal beating.

When officers arrived, they found Kemp sitting on a couch just inside the front door. Police said his right hand was swollen. Long’s body was in the basement. Her bloody undergarments, shorts and T-shirt were found in her purse. Police found blood outside and inside the house.