Mikiylia Guines, a seven-year-old student at Churchill Elementary School who was born September 5, 2018, was fatally shot in Cedarbluff, Mississippi, on Friday, January 9, 2026. She was described as joyful and fond of dancing, her dolls, and Hello Kitty. The shooting occurred when a relative, 24-year-old Daricka Moore, allegedly forced his way into a home on Blake Road and shot Mikiylia in the head; reports say he also attempted sexual battery and threatened another, younger child with a firearm, though that child was not physically harmed.

Authorities say Moore had earlier shot and killed three relatives at a separate residence and later allegedly killed two more people at a third location. He was taken into custody the same evening near Pine Grove Road and Joe Myers Road in possession of a rifle and a handgun. He has been charged with multiple counts including capital murder, first-degree murder, attempted murder, attempted sexual battery, burglary, and felony motor vehicle theft. Prosecutors have indicated an intent to seek the death penalty; at his initial court appearance Moore pleaded not guilty, was denied bond, and a judge ordered a mental health evaluation. The motive remains under investigation.

Did anyone in Cedarbluff know Mikiylia or have information about what happened that night?