Alyssa Denee Whitfield was 6 years old when she was shot during a domestic disturbance at her Killeen, Texas, home on March 12, 2022. She and her 11-year-old cousin, Makayla Martin, suffered gunshot wounds; Makayla was pronounced dead at the scene and Alyssa was airlifted to McLane Children’s Hospital, where she later died.

The suspect, 39-year-old Kendrick Donnell Gaines, was arrested and charged with Capital Murder and Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. Alyssa’s mother, Danielle Whitfield, 38, was also shot in the neck and survived. The disturbance was reported as stemming from ongoing marital issues between Danielle Whitfield and Kendrick Gaines.

The community held a candlelight vigil for Alyssa and Makayla, and a GoFundMe was started to help cover funeral expenses and support the families. The investigation is ongoing. If anyone has information about the events that night or knew Alyssa or Makayla, please come forward.