S9:E10: The Senseless Murder of Myshaela Burnham (29) "Fatal Rejection"

⚠️This episode contains discussions of domestic violence that may be disturbing or triggering for some listeners. Listener discretion is strongly advised

Bradenton, Florida—It was just another quiet Thursday afternoon at a medical lab, until everything changed. In broad daylight, a man slipped through an unlocked door, walked past everyone, and headed straight for one desk. His ex-girlfriend, 29-year-old Myshaela Burnham, a devoted mother and healthcare worker. 

How did a breakup just a month earlier spiral into a deadly attack? And what does this case reveal about the cracks in workplace security?

 🎧 LISTEN NOW for the full story on the investigation, the upcoming legal battle, and the miraculous recovery of one lone survivor who lived to tell the story that shocked an entire community. 

Rest in Peace - Myshaela Burnham 🕯️🕊️🙏

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. You are not alone.

You can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE), or by texting START to 88788. You can also chat online at thehotline.org. Support is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Transcript

SPEAKER_04 0:00

This podcast contains graphic details which may be disturbing to some listeners, but some of discretion is advised. Thank you guys for tuning in to another episode of Senseless True Crime. I'm Chantel B and welcome back to the show. Now this week's case takes us to Brayton, Florida, to the horrific murder of 29-year-old My Shayla Burnham. My Shayla was a devoted mother to a six-year-old son, and she was working to build a stable future for herself and her child. Now the chain of events that unfolded after she made the decision to end a toxic and violent relationship with her ex that she believed was no longer right for her life, but those efforts would ultimately end in an unimaginable tragedy. How does a relationship that once appeared normal end in violence inside a place meant for care and healing? On january fifteenth, 2026, twenty nine year old Michela Burnham was working her shift as a phlebotomist at a medical laboratory in Brayton when out of nowhere her ex boyfriend, Keith Roberts Jr. walked into her workplace through an unlocked door and opened fire, and in a matter of seconds, an ordinary workday turned into a scene of panic and devastation, leaving one woman dead and another seriously injured. The senseless murder of Michela Burnham was not sudden. It was a culmination of longstanding relationship dysfunction and escalating warning signs. What happened in the years leading up to this unimaginable tragedy would leave a community shocked and devastated and family members questioning how much toxicity they were unaware of until it was far too late. But before we get into the gruesome details of My Shayla's murder, we must first honor how she lived. My Shaila Burnham was born on october twenty fifth, nineteen ninety six in Tampa, Florida. Now those who knew her described her as kind and warm and such a vibrant personality. My Shayla was an easy person to be around. During her high school years, she enjoyed competitive dance, which was an activity that reflected not only her confidence but her energetic spirit. Her passion for baton twirling evolved into a deep love for her faith community at Light of the World Church, where she found peace and a spiritual connection. My Sheila was a bright light who touched the lives of everyone she met. She was a proud graduate of the class of 2016 at Bayshore High School, and she later went on to earn her certificate in massage therapy from Manatee Technical College before embarking on a career in the medical field as a home health coordinator. My Sheila eventually found work as a phlebotomist in a medical lab. Now this role required patience, precision, and consistency. Her job involved collecting and processing blood samples, contributing to the important work that assisted doctors in diagnosing and treating patients. This was a careful career, but responsible work that played an essential role in the healthcare system. My Shayla approached her career with commitment and the importance of reliability and attention to detail. Beyond her profession, her most important responsibility was being a devoted mother to her six year old son, who was the center of her life, and much of her time and energy was devoted to providing him with stability and nurturing care. Friends and family members described her as devoted, but a firm mom who was determined to create a secure environment for her child. And at just twenty nine years old, Michela was a woman working hard to build something meaningful, balancing the responsibilities of motherhood with the demands of her career. She was living in Brayton, working hard to build the stable life she had always dreamed of. Michela was known as someone who cared deeply for her family, and she valued the close relationships she had with everyone in her life. Michela was in a romantic relationship with Keith Roberts Jr. for over two years, and he was also twenty nine years old. Now he was not the father of her son. But Keith worked as an armed security guard at Manatee Memorial Hospital. Now this job required discipline, but also awareness and the ability to remain calm in serious situations. From the outside, their relationship appeared normal. They had been together for a significant period of time, and they seemed like a couple moving through everyday life with ease. But there were issues in the relationship that My Sheila kept quiet about the jealousy, control, the anger, and prior domestic violence incidents, which led to My Sheila finally ending her relationship with Keith. By late 2025, My Sheila was moving forward with her own life, focusing on her future and the life she wanted to create for her son. This was a personal decision, one that reflected her desire for change, but also stability. My Shayla started recognizing her worth, and she understood that she deserved better than what Keith could ever provide. At the time, this appeared to be the closing of one chapter and she was looking forward to stepping into a new chapter. But Mayshayla did not know that the decision to end this relationship would change the entire trajectory of her life. On the morning of january fifteenth, 2026, the day began just like any other. My Shela left her home, headed to her shift, she arrived at the lab, and took her seat at her desk. Nothing about the morning suggested that anything was wrong. This was a routine workday, and Michela was focused on her responsibilities. Seated beside her at the adjoining desk was her co-worker, a twenty six year old summer frytag, a licensed practical nurse. Now the two women had worked side by side in the office, handling their day to day duties, and the atmosphere inside the lab was calm but professional. With employees focused on their daily task, everything appeared normal. The only difference was that day Michela and her ex boyfriend Keith spoke by phone for about two hours. Now that conversation centered on their relationship. The focus was on whether there was any chance of reconciliation. Now Keith was pressuring Michela to take him back, at which she refused. The relationship was over in her mind, and after that discussion, Keith later told police that he gained clarity that they were not getting back together, and this fueled his jealousy and rage. So at approximately twelve forty eight PM, Keith Roberts junior entered the medical laboratory building through an unlocked door. Because of his past relationship with Michela, he was familiar with her work location and he understood the layout of her workplace, so he knew which door to enter into. He also knew where she typically sat as he headed directly towards her desk. Within moments of approaching My Shayla, Keith produced a firearm and fired multiple rounds in her direction and shot her point blank range in the face. The sudden sound of gunfire disrupted the quiet work environment and caused immediate panic. Summer Fritag, the nurse that worked closely with My Shayla, was directly next to her when the gunfire erupted, and she witnessed the attack. Keith then turned around and fired four rounds towards Summer. Summer was shot four times, and among her horrific injuries, her right arm had been severed. She had been also shot in her right leg, completely shattering her knee. Summer underwent emergency surgery where doctors worked to sustain her shotgun injuries, and she was expected to survive. My Shayla Burnham sustained critical injuries and did not survive. She passed away at her desk. Co-workers were left in shock as the situation unfolded within mere seconds. Some employees screamed while others quickly called nine one, trying to process what just happened. That calm work environment had suddenly turned into a crime scene filled with fear. After the shooting, Keith Roberts Jr. left the building and drove away from the area. Now people inside nearby offices, including a dental office next door, reported hearing the gunshots and realizing that something serious had taken place. Despite the panic, witnesses were able to gather key details. They noted the make and model of Keith's vehicle and provided law enforcement with information about what direction he was headed. Now this information became important as authorities began searching for him shortly after the incident. My Shayla's sister, Brianna Fisher, shared emotional words as she spoke about the last time she communicated with her sister. Now she explained that their final conversation took place that same day at around twelve fifty one PM, mere moments before the events unfolded. Brianna said that she initially believed that the shooting had been a random act of violence. She later learned that the person responsible was someone who had been part of Michela's life, a realization that made the loss even more difficult for the family to understand. Brianna described her sister as someone whose presence brought light and warmth. She explained that Michela's name reflected the personal bond that they shared. Let's take a listen.

SPEAKER_03 13:09

We're learning more about the 29-year-old woman who police say was shot and killed by her ex-boyfriend while she was at work last week. Brianna Fisher wants her sister to be remembered for how she lived, not for how she died.

SPEAKER_01 13:22

She was a phenomenal woman, just a very vibrant person, and she brought that into everything. Not just her family, but her work. The last time I spoke to her was at 1251 on Thursday. And it happened either right then or shortly after that phone call.

SPEAKER_06 13:42

Now a timestamp marks the last moment. Brianna Fisher spoke with her sister, 29-year-old Michael Barnum. Bradington police say Barnum was shot and killed inside a medical lab where she worked. Investigators say the gunman was her ex-boyfriend. A reality, her family says they don't immediately process. Like her name is spelled my Shayla. She was my Shayla. A name, a person, and a present. She says, filled every room. He took our life.

SPEAKER_01 14:39

He took our vibrancy. And for me, he took everything. Reading his words to the police, it's made me feel even more distraught because I wasn't aware of their their relationship and how toxic it was.

SPEAKER_03 15:01

Fisher says, Michela made friends easily, never meeting a stranger. She grew up in Manatee County, enjoyed competitive dancing in high school, and could not wait to turn 30 this year.

SPEAKER_01 15:12

That she was more than this. That's what I want people to know. That she was more than what happened to her. That she had a life that was so full, and she was really thriving.

SPEAKER_03 15:26

Michela leaves behind a six-year-old son. A GoFundMe page is raising money for his future.

SPEAKER_01 15:32

The loss of a parent is just incredibly devastating, and he's gonna need so much support for the future. And so we want to make sure that he is loved and supported, not just by the family, but people that loved his mother as well.

SPEAKER_04 15:49

When the Brighton Police Department responded to the laboratory shooting, by the time that they arrived, Keith Roberts Jr. had already fled the scene. Police immediately began coordinating efforts to locate him, treating the situation as an urgent manhunt. The information provided by witnesses became critical in the early stages of the investigation. The individuals at the scene were able to describe what vehicle Keith was driving. Now this allowed the officers to quickly broadcast those details to surrounding agencies in the area, with multiple law enforcement departments in the area to begin searching for the vehicle, working together to locate Keith as quickly as possible. And at approximately 1.12 p.m., deputies with the Manatee County Sheriff's Office spotted the vehicle that Keith was driving. The officers conducted a traffic stop. And according to reports, when officers approached the vehicle, Keith made statements that indicated that he was aware of why law enforcement had stopped him. He was then detained for questioning. As investigators began building a timeline of events. Now Keith was interviewed by authorities regarding what had taken place inside that medical lab. And according to investigators, Keith admitted responsibility for the attack and reportedly stated that he had harmed My Shayla because he could not accept the idea of her being in a relationship with someone else. Now his statements became part of the evidence review as the case moved forward through the legal process. What he said was even more disturbing. He admitted to the murder. He said that he had been thinking about killing my Shayla for two years. And then he said something that shrips this case down to the core. He said that he would do it again, that he had no regret, no remorse. And even after he knew that he murdered My Shayla in cold blood, Keith Roberts Jr. made no apologies for his actions. Following the investigation, Keith Roberts Jr. was formally charged with first degree murder in connection with My Shayla Burnham's death. And he was also charged with attempted first degree murder related to the attack on my Shayla's co-worker, Summer Frytag. Let's take a listen.

SPEAKER_03 18:51

Police located Roberts less than 30 minutes after that shooting in a newly released probable cause affidavit. Roberts told police he thought about killing Burnham for two years due to their rocky relationship. The report states they've been broken up since August of 2025 due to his jealousy and domestic violence in their relationship. He told officers he killed her because he did not want her to be with anyone else. Roberts is facing charges of first-degree murder as well as attempted first-degree murder. He remains in the Manatee County jail. Reporting in Manatee County, Julie Salmon, Tampa Bay 28.

SPEAKER_04 19:25

Summer FryTac's family and friends speak out regarding the horrific injuries she suffered during the attack. They also put up a GoFundMe to help assist her through the recovery efforts. Let's take a listen.

SPEAKER_00 19:48

She was shot four times and witnessed a coworker being killed. News channel's George MacArthur spoke to the woman's family. She joins us live in Bradington.

SPEAKER_06 20:03

Her sister said she also worked at the facility with her sister and shared a desk. However, she was not there during the horrific shooting. Bradington police say it happened inside a medical lab near Fourth Avenue Circle last week. Investigators say Keith Roberts Jr. walked in and shot his ex-girlfriend, 29-year-old Michela Burnham, killing her, then turning the gun on her co-worker who witnessed the shooting.

SPEAKER_07 20:28

He was definitely trying to kill her because four shots who makes it after being shot four times. She's extremely lucky.

SPEAKER_06 20:38

Summer sister, Savannah Friedek, works at the same facility, sharing a desk with her sister, but was not on shift that day. She said she learned about the shooting after a frantic call from her boss.

SPEAKER_07 20:49

She was like, I don't know if Summer's okay. Um someone came in with a gun and started shooting. Summer was shot four times, hit in both arms, her leg, and chest. They weren't sure if she was gonna make it. She's actually like a living miracle right now because they they really weren't sure.

SPEAKER_04 21:12

So on January 16th, 2026, Keith Roberts Jr. appeared in court for the first time following his arrest. During that hearing, the judge reviewed the evidence and the seriousness of the circumstances surrounding the murder and the attempted murder. Based on the information presented, the judge determined that Keith posed both a flight risk and a danger to the public. The judge ordered that he be held in custody without bond while the legal process continued. He was also given a strict no-contact order, preventing him from contacting the victims, their family, or any witnesses connected. Connected to the case. Let's take a listen.

SPEAKER_08 22:03

I've been accused of killing his ex-girlfriend and shooting another woman faced a judge for the first time today. Victoria Lucas joins us live from the Manatee County Jail this afternoon, where Roberts Jr. remains behind bars. Victoria.

SPEAKER_05 22:16

The suspect will stay here until his next court appearance. That ordered by the judge today in court. Thursday afternoon in Brighton.

SPEAKER_09 22:42

Keith Roberts for the never before. Um mentally to deal with what she went through. Those witnesses are heroes. You know, they they stood up and said, I know information on this.

SPEAKER_05 23:16

Roberts Jr. is due in court next Friday at 8 30 in the morning. And Keith Kramer also mentioned that Roberts Jr. worked as an armed security guard at Manatee Memorial Hospital and notified the hospital of his arrest. Live in Manatee County, Victoria Lucas eight on your side.

SPEAKER_04 23:33

Keith Roberts Jr. remained in custody at the Manatee County Jail as the investigation continued. Prosecutors moved forward with charges of first-degree murder of Michela Burnham, as well as the attempted first degree murder related to the injuries sustained by Summer Frytag. The authorities continue reviewing evidence, witness statements, and forensic findings as part of the ongoing legal process. Law enforcement officials spoke publicly regarding the seriousness of the incident and the impact it had on those who were at the scene. The proximity between the victims showed how quickly the situation escalated inside what should have been a safe work environment. Summer who had been seated at that adjoining desk suffered significant life-changing injuries, and her recovery requires ongoing treatment and extensive physical therapy as she works towards regaining her mobility. Manatee Memorial Hospital where Keith had been employed as an arm security guard, released a public statement expressing shock over the incident and offering condolences to My Shayla's family. The situation raised difficult concerns as someone whose professional role involved maintaining safety to others was now facing serious criminal charges related to violence. To date, there is no official confirmed law or legislation directly named after Michela Burnham. However, her case became part of a wider discussion regarding domestic related violence and workplace safety, especially in situations where personal relationships escalate into public environments. The incidents like this often raise questions about how employers identify potential risks and respond to them. Discussions around workplace protection measures and early reporting systems continue to be a broader part of those conversations. This case also highlighted the reality that domestic related conflicts do not always remain private. When personal disputes extend to the workplace, they can also place co-workers and the public at risk. Safety advocates often emphasize the importance of threat assessment procedures, communication protocols, and support systems that help individuals report concerns before those situations escalate. Most employers have an active shooter protocol. While there isn't current legislation in My Sheila's name, her case remains part of the ongoing dialogue surrounding workplace violence and intimate partner violence. Family members, friends, and members of the community came together to support those affected by this horrific tragedy. Those efforts were organized to provide financial and emotional assistance for My Shayla's six-year-old son. Community members expressed sympathy for the victims, but also emphasized the lasting impact that such incidents have on families, co-workers, and the public. Those closest to My Shayla continue to remember her as a devoted mother and a person who was working towards building a stable future before her life was tragically taken. Family members, friends, and community gathered to honor her life and remember the person she was beyond her tragic murder. Those who attended reflected on her personality, her kindness, and the energy she brought into the lives of those who knew her. My Shayla's sister, Brianna Fisher, shared a few words about how much her little sister meant to her. Let's take a listen.

SPEAKER_01 28:15

I'll find you in the morning, son, and when the night is new. I'll be looking at the moon, but I'll be seeing you. My sister is truly the light of my life. And as adults, we often joked that we were twins. We just happened to be born five years apart. But when she was born, she surprised us all by coming into this world a month early. But since that moment, she was mine, my Shayla. I remember teaching her to walk. She refused to try for anyone else and would immediately sit down if you looked at her. But I stood beside her and walked with her. Close enough to be there, but far enough for her to do it on her own. And it wasn't long before she was dancing circles around me. Shay and I talked every single day. Our conversations never had a beginning or an end. They were one constant stream of consciousness. And we never got off the phone without saying, I love you. I am struggling significantly with her loss. A piece of my soul will be missing forever. I have tried to text and call her several times throughout this process because this has been incredibly hard. And when things were hard, we leaned on each other for support. I will remember my sister as vibrant, making an entrance, always dancing, and probably the loudest person we all know. But for our family, this world is a lot more dull and will be a lot more quiet without her. Thank you.

SPEAKER_04 30:31

My Shayla Burnham was a twenty-nine-year-old woman who was in a relationship with someone that could let go. My Shayla had a six-year-old son, and Keith Roberts Jr. left her son without the most important person in his life. His mother. My Shayla will never go home to her son again. She will not be here to celebrate his birthdays. And that leaves a young child with so many questions. And with a hole in his heart forever. This isn't a story about what my Shayla could have done differently. This is a story of a tragic ending of a young woman's life who did everything right. She saw the warning signs. She saw the toxicity and she got out. She ended something that was not working for her life. And to think her family was not aware of how toxic the relationship was. And I say this to anyone keeping things from your family will leave them confused if and when something happens to you. I know that when the relationship has reached a toxic level, most of us keep it to ourselves. But the deadliest part of this is when the family doesn't know what's going on. Speak up and speak out. Because my Shayla's story could be yours. Keith Roberts Jr. had been thinking about killing this woman for over two years. And prior to the shooting, he was abusive, he was angry, he was controlling because My Shayla wanted to move on with her life. And this man was an armed hospital security guard charged with protecting others, walking into My Shayla's job with an assault rifle and gunned her down and critically wounded her co-worker. Summer Frig was shot four times and had to witness her co-worker dying next to her. The trauma that she has to face. Being shot in both legs, in her arms and her chest, and Keith Roberts Jr. was trying to kill them both. Make it make sense. I say this all the time. The dangers of women leaving a domestic violence relationship is one of the most dangerous times of a woman's life. My Shayla's only crime was ending a toxic relationship for her own peace and for her own happiness. And she told him that she wanted to focus on taking care of her son, and that her son was her first priority, and she did everything right. And yet Keith Roberts Jr. took her from the very person that she was trying to take care of. The one that she was working hard for, her son. And it's all because he said he didn't want her to be with some good one else. Now, this is the part that I don't understand. If you want to treat her well, you don't want anyone else to. This is diabolical because abusive partners are driven by control. Not just anger. When a woman leaves her abuser, they experience a loss of control. And that loss of control triggers panic, rage, and retaliation. And we saw that play out in this case. Keith Roberts Jr. He decided himself that if I can't have her, no one else will. Leaving doesn't just end the abuse. Leaving disrupts the abuser's power. And that disruption can provoke the most dangerous outcome. I wish that it didn't have to end like this. But he took her life and he admitted to it with no remorse. None whatsoever. Taking a young woman from her sixth year to old child. I hope and pray that Keith Roberts Jr. never sees the light of day. This is absolutely diabolical. But my heart goes out to Michela Burnham, to her family, and to her son. The holidays, the birthdays that will be missed. Her son growing up without the love and nurturing of his mother. My heart breaks for him. For anyone who's in a terrible situation like this, get out and try to get out safely. Getting out can be a matter of life and death. My Shayla Burnham, may your sweet and beautiful soul forever rest in peace. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is a 24-hour confidential service in the United States for survivors, for victims, and for those who are affected by intimate partner violence. You can call 1-800-799-7233 or you can text start 2-88-788. If you've ever loved someone who made you question your worth, and if you've ever stayed too long, or if you've ever been made to feel like you were too much or not enough, then this space, this story, this season is for you. I'm starting something new called unlovable. In every episode, I peel back the truth behind toxic love, the manipulation, and the quiet damage that people don't talk about. But I need you to understand something. These stories don't just deserve to be heard. They deserve to reach the people who are still living in it. So if this podcast resonates with you, even a little, I need you to do one thing. Subscribe to the exclusive content. Because when you subscribe, you're not just supporting this podcast, you're helping someone else find their way out. You're helping someone else feel seen. New episodes will begin dropping in May. And trust me, we're just getting started. 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