On October 21, 2023, 19-year-old Taliyah Leeaah Lanis Watson was fatally shot in Raleigh, North Carolina. The shooting happened about 12:30 a.m. in the 1300 block of Sawyer Road near McMakin Street. Watson was taken by vehicle to a hospital and later died of her injuries.

In the immediate aftermath two women were arrested and charged with murder: 23-year-old Jordan Sanders and 21-year-old A’shante Freeman. A third suspect, 26-year-old Kevon Terrell Hicks, was arrested and charged on November 10, 2023. On December 6, 2023, two 17-year-old juveniles were also taken into custody; their identities have not been publicly released because of their ages. The investigation remains ongoing.

Family and friends held a balloon release vigil that drew hundreds who gathered to grieve and remember Taliyah. If anyone witnessed the shooting or has information about the events that led to her death, please share what is known.