Mariah Faith Moss, a 21-year-old woman from Peoria, Illinois, tragically lost her life on July 2, 2022. Mariah, who was born on November 20, 2000, in San Antonio, Texas, was known for her nurturing and loving nature. She had recently moved to Peoria and was actively involved in her community, including volunteering at Dream Center Peoria and working at South Side Christian Academy.
Mariah was a devoted mother to her young son, Alexander Remington Black Jr., and was cherished by her family and friends for her resilience and compassion.
On the morning of July 2, 2022, Peoria police responded to a call at a residence on South Sterling Avenue. Upon arrival, they discovered Mariah Faith Moss with a fatal gunshot wound to her upper body. The Peoria County coroner later confirmed that Mariah likely died instantly from the single gunshot wound. The incident was classified as a homicide, marking the city's 11th homicide of the year.
Following the discovery of Mariah's body, 24-year-old Kaitlyn Taylor was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with Mariah's death. Taylor was taken into custody and held at the Peoria County Jail. The relationship between Taylor and Mariah was not immediately clear, and further details about the motive behind the shooting were not disclosed by the authorities.
Kaitlyn Taylor pleaded not guilty to the charge of first-degree murder during her court appearance in July 2022. A public defender was appointed to represent her, and a jury trial was scheduled for October 2022. The case drew significant attention in the local community, as residents sought justice for Mariah Faith Moss, a young woman whose life was cut short in a senseless act of violence.
In April 2024, Kaitlyn Taylor was sentenced to 14 years in prison after pleading guilty to the charges related to Mariah's death. The sentencing brought some closure to Mariah's family and friends, who continued to mourn the loss of a beloved daughter, mother, and friend. Mariah's memory lives on through the impact she had on those around her and the love she shared with her community.
