NQL Case File

Circumstances

Date of Disappearance

November 3, 2008

Notes

She was born in Russia; it is not clear if she currently was a US citizen. Kersh's hair was waist-length at the time of her disappearance and she has natural blonde highlights in her hair around her face; she may dye her hair a solid brown color. Kersh was working as a cashier at the Tria Market but left at approximately 1:00pm (13:00) on a lunch break to pick up her one year old son from daycare. She never arrived and has not been seen since. Her vehicle was discovered in an alley in West Birmingham, abandoned, the following day. Three days later, her purse was also located beneath an overpass and near the railroad tracks along Montevallo Road (east of Barber Court). This would be approximately 100 yards from her vehicle. The following year (May 2010), Kersh’s ex-boyfriend Joacquas Megauil Haywood was arrested and charged with her murder. It was believed that he accidentally killed her during an attempted robbery. This was partly based on a witness’ testimony that she observed a Black SUV (similar to that driven by Haywood) arrive in front of Kersh’s apartment. The driver went inside and Kersh herself arrived and went inside shortly afterward. The witness then heard a cry. In the summer of 2011, the case against Haywood was dropped but he remains a key person of interest.

Location of the Disappearance or Crime Scene

Apartment Complex, Vehicle

Potential Circumstances

Abandoned Child, Abandoned Vehicle, Alone, Driving, During a Crime

Vehicle

Red Chrysler Sebring Convertible

License Plate

2D5202F

Photo of Vehicle

Suspect

Man

Suspect Description

Joacquas Megauil Haywood is the primary person of interest. He was Kersh's ex-boyfriend and drove a Black SUV similar to one seen by a witness.

Photo of Suspect