Makiya Walls, a 12-year-old girl from Victorville, California, tragically lost her life on August 9, 2017, in a shooting incident that shocked the community. Makiya was inside her home when Anthony Latrent Pitts Jr. opened fire into a large downstairs window, striking her as she sat by the window. Despite being rushed to a local hospital, Makiya was pronounced dead less than two hours after the shooting.
The incident was the culmination of a months-long feud between Makiya's family and the defendants, which had escalated earlier that day. Investigators determined that Makiya was not the intended target of the violence.
Anthony Latrent Pitts Jr., along with Danielle Cummings and Reyna Mercado, were arrested in connection with Makiya's death. Pitts Jr. pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and shooting at an inhabited dwelling, and he was sentenced to 50 years to life in state prison. He admitted to a sentencing enhancement for personally using a firearm, while a second enhancement was dismissed. Pitts Jr. was sentenced to two consecutive counts of 25 years to life, to be served at the Chino Institute for Men.
The shooting stemmed from a confrontation between members of both families earlier that day. Makiya's mother, Maesha McCullers, and Christopher Hicks were also arrested two days after Makiya's death for making threats against several members of a family, but their cases were turned down due to insufficient evidence. The San Bernardino County District Attorney's office emphasized that Makiya's life was cut short due to a senseless crime that did not involve her directly.
During Pitts Jr.'s sentencing, Makiya's mother delivered an emotional impact statement, describing her daughter as "everything" and expressing the profound loss felt by the family. The community mourned the loss of Makiya, who was remembered as a beloved daughter and a bright young girl whose life was tragically ended far too soon. The case highlighted the devastating consequences of violence and the enduring impact on the families and communities affected.
