The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
Malik Demetrius Millender has been charged with gunning down 6-year-old Kaylee Taylor
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - An 18-year-old suspect is facing three counts of capital murder following a deadly drive-by shooting that claimed the life of a 6-year-old girl in Montgomery, Alabama.
The Montgomery Police Department arrested Malik Demetrius Millender, 18, less than 24 hours after the shooting. Millender was booked into the Montgomery County Detention Facility late Monday night and is being held under no bond.
Details of the Incident
According to police and emergency responders, the shooting occurred on Monday, July 6, 2026, at approximately 2:20 a.m. in the 400 block of Mulligan Drive.
The Victim: Caylee Taylor, a 6-year-old student at Morningview Elementary School.
The Circumstances: Police reports state that Taylor was asleep in her bed when gunfire erupted outside the residence. A bullet penetrated the home, striking the child.
The Weapon: Court records indicate that Millender allegedly used an AR-15 rifle to fire into the dwelling from the outside.
Medical Response: First responders located Taylor suffering from life-threatening injuries. She was rushed to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced deceased.
Capital Murder Charges
Millender faces three distinct counts of capital murder due to the aggravating circumstances surrounding the shooting. Reports from Al.com confirm the counts include:
Capital murder of a child under the age of 14.
Capital murder fired from a vehicle (drive-by shooting).
Capital murder fired into an occupied dwelling from the outside.
Community and Leadership Reaction
The tragedy has provoked deep emotional responses from local city leaders and educators. Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed noted that tips from the community played an essential role in helping police identify and apprehend the suspect so quickly.
During an emotional media briefing, MPD Chief Jim Graboys heavily condemned the violence, praising the community for not staying silent. The Montgomery Public Schools system also expressed deep devastation over the loss, stating that "no child should ever lose their life to violence.
"The investigation remains active. Authorities have not yet disclosed a motive behind the shooting or whether other individuals may have been involved.
Note: A criminal charge is an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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