Makiya Walls was a 12-year-old girl from Victorville, California who was killed in a shooting on August 9, 2017. She was inside her home and was seated by a large downstairs window when Anthony Latrent Pitts Jr. opened fire through the window, striking her. She was taken to a local hospital and pronounced dead less than two hours after the shooting. Investigators concluded Makiya was not the intended target.

Authorities linked the attack to a months-long feud between Makiya’s family and the defendants that escalated earlier on the day of the shooting. Anthony Latrent Pitts Jr., Danielle Cummings and Reyna Mercado were arrested in connection with the death. Pitts Jr. pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and shooting at an inhabited dwelling, admitted a firearms sentencing enhancement, and was sentenced to two consecutive terms of 25 years to life to be served at the Chino Institute for Men, for a total of 50 years to life. Two days after the shooting Makiya’s mother, Maesha McCullers, and Christopher Hicks were arrested on separate threats allegations, but those cases were turned down for insufficient evidence.

Makiya was remembered by her family and community as a beloved daughter and a bright young girl whose life was cut short by senseless violence. If anyone knew Makiya or has information about the events that day, please share what you know.