Maliyah Jalissea Godwin was a 13-year-old girl from Gainesville, Florida, who was found shot just before 10 p.m. on April 23, 2021, at the Majestic Oaks apartment complex. She was taken to a local hospital and died of her injuries; family remembered her as a beloved daughter, sister, and friend.

The investigation led to the arrest of 38-year-old Jason Lee Lynady Sr. of Cross City. He was charged with first-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, tampering with evidence, and witness tampering. Lynady was indicted by an Alachua County grand jury on December 14, 2021, and arrested the next day. He later withdrew a not guilty plea and accepted an open plea agreement, pleading no contest.

In April 2023 Judge James M. Colaw sentenced Jason Lee Lynady Sr. to 50 years in prison for the second-degree murder of Maliyah, with credit for 455 days served. Maliyah’s death has been mourned across the Gainesville community. If anyone knew Maliyah or has information about the case, please come forward.