A reported argument inside a Birmingham apartment ended with a 22-year-old woman dead Wednesday night, November 4, and one person taken into police custody. The victim, identified as Makayla May Riley, was found fatally wounded after gunfire broke out at Rev. Dr. Morrell Todd Homes in the city’s Kingston community.
Birmingham police said officers were called to the 800 block of 44th Place North at approximately 10:48 p.m. following reports of a shooting. The incident happened inside an apartment, where an altercation had reportedly taken place before shots were fired.
Riley suffered fatal gunshot injuries. Despite the emergency response, she could not be saved. The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office confirmed that she died at 11:28 p.m. and later identified her as 22-year-old Makayla May Riley of Birmingham.
Police detained one person as investigators began looking into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Information accompanying the incident identified the detained individual as Riley’s 23-year-old boyfriend, who was taken in for questioning.
The initial information also indicated that the man was booked into Birmingham City Jail on a 48-hour hold. However, the latest available police report confirms only that one person was detained. No formal charge or finding of guilt has been established in the information currently available.
Investigators are working to determine what happened inside the apartment before the shooting. The reported verbal dispute is an important part of the case, but authorities have yet to publicly provide a complete account of how the confrontation unfolded or what led to the gunfire.
Riley’s death is another homicide under investigation in Birmingham this year. Her killing has also brought renewed attention to the deadly consequences that can follow disputes between people who know one another.
Beyond the police investigation and the questions surrounding the shooting, a 22-year-old woman has lost her life. Makayla May Riley will not get another chance to make plans, spend time with loved ones or experience the future that was still waiting for her. For her family, the investigation may bring answers, but it cannot bring her back.