206 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.

Makayla Renee Martin

Death by Force
Case Description
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On March 12, 2022, 11-year-old Makayla Renee Martin, an African American girl from Killeen, Texas, tragically lost her life in a domestic violence incident. Makayla and her 6-year-old cousin, Alyssa Whitfield, were fatally shot by their mother's husband, Kendrick Donnell Gaines, during a heated altercation. The incident occurred at their home on Vega Lane, where police were called to the scene around 11 a.m. Upon arrival, officers found Makayla dead at the scene and Alyssa critically injured, wh ...Read More
Links to Additional Sources (7)
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  • Obituary of Makayla Renee Martin | Richardson Funeral Home of Clinton
  • Temple Daily Telegram: Man faces capital murder, other charges in death of two children
    •     ...View 5 additional sources
    Victim Details

    Makayla Renee Martin

    Female

    Black / African American

    Killeen

    TX

    2022-03-12

    11

    Makayla

    Renee Martin

    11/24/2025

    Forum Posts (3)
    I've been following this case and the involvement of the community has been truly moving. It's incre... ...Read More
    11/07/2023
    I can't stop thinking about the impact this tragedy must have had on the community, particularly at ... ...Read More
    06/03/2023
    Hey everyone,
    I've been following the case of Makayla Renee Martin and Alyssa Whitfield, and I've... ...Read More
    01/29/2023
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