Kinah Stokes

Kinah Anes Stokes, a 28-year-old Black woman from Montgomery, Alabama, is remembered by those who loved her for her vibrant and impactful personality. Her life was a cherished part of her community and family before it was tragically cut short in the summer of 2024, leaving a void in the lives of all who knew her.

The evening of Wednesday, July 24, 2024, was shattered by violence in Montgomery. At approximately 8:35 p.m., police and fire medics were dispatched to the 200 block of Eastdale Road South, near the Gazebo Apartments, following a report of a person shot. The area, located off Atlanta Highway not far from the city's Eastern Boulevard, became the scene of a grim discovery. First responders found Kinah suffering from a serious gunshot wound. She was quickly transported to a local hospital for emergency medical care, but her injury proved to be fatal, and she was pronounced deceased.

The shooting of Kinah Stokes was one of two separate fatal shootings that Montgomery police responded to that same day. Earlier in the afternoon, a 16-year-old male was killed and another teen was wounded in a shooting that occurred in the area of Hilldale Drive. The unrelated incidents marked a day of significant violence for the city, stretching the resources and attention of law enforcement.

The Montgomery Police Department immediately launched a death investigation into Kinah’s homicide. In the initial aftermath, authorities stated that the circumstances surrounding the shooting remained under investigation and did not release any information about a potential motive or suspect. Major Saba Coleman, a spokeswoman for the department, confirmed the basic details of the incident to the media. The case was assigned to detectives who began processing the scene and seeking leads.

In the days and weeks that followed, investigators appealed to the public for help in solving the crime. They urged anyone with knowledge of the shooting to come forward and share what they knew. Several tip lines were publicized, including Central Alabama CrimeStoppers at (334) 215-STOP or 215-STOP, the Secret Witness line at (334) 625-4000, and the Montgomery Police Department directly at (334) 625-2831. As of late July 2024, no arrests had been made, and no suspects had been publicly identified in connection with Kinah's death.

While the police investigation continued, Kinah's family and friends were left to grieve their profound loss. They remembered her through online tributes that highlighted the bright and loving person she was. To honor her memory, a public viewing was held in Birmingham on August 5, 2024, allowing the community to pay their respects. A funeral service followed the next day, after which Kinah Anes Stokes was laid to rest in Elmwood Cemetery, leaving behind cherished memories for her loved ones who now seek both answers and justice. The investigation into her killing remains ongoing.