Makaylah Brent, a 9-year-old girl from Sacramento, California, tragically lost her life on October 3, 2020, in a drive-by shooting at Mama Marks Park in North Sacramento. Makaylah was playing in the park when the incident occurred. The shooter, identified as Laise Hands, was attempting to kill a rival gang member but instead fired nine shots into the park, hitting Makaylah and injuring three others, including a 7-year-old child.
Makaylah died instantly from her injuries.
The investigation into Makaylah's death led to the arrest and conviction of Laise Hands. Hands was already in police custody on a separate charge when he was identified as the suspect in the shooting. He was charged with murder, attempted murder, assault with a semi-automatic weapon, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. During the trial, it was revealed that Hands had a prior strike conviction for assault with a semi-automatic firearm, which was considered during his sentencing.
In March 2023, a jury found Laise Hands guilty of all charges related to the shooting. He was sentenced to 144 years to life in prison. The sentencing took place on May 5, 2023, where the judge handed down the maximum sentence possible. The case highlighted the ongoing issue of gang violence in Sacramento and the devastating impact it has on innocent lives. Makaylah's family and the community have since called for an end to gun violence and greater efforts to protect children from such senseless acts.
