On May 3, 2025, a violent altercation in the parking lot of a Foot Locker in Eastpointe, Michigan, tragically claimed the life of 18-year-old Steven Edward Gardin Jr., a Black male. The unfortunate chain of events began when a verbal dispute escalated into a physical fight between two groups of individuals.
The situation intensified when 19-year-old Lakylia Sheila Taylor retrieved a handgun from her vehicle and began shooting. In the ensuing chaos, Steven Edward Gardin Jr.
and another young man, Juvan Maurice Newman, were fatally wounded. Another individual, Tyjaune Pierre Morris-Turner, sustained severe injuries. During the incident, Lakylia Taylor's brother, Dejuan Jermain Taylor, was also accidentally shot and injured by his sister.
Following the shooting, Lakylia Taylor and her brother fled the scene. Lakylia Taylor later surrendered to the authorities on May 5, 2025. She was subsequently charged with second-degree homicide, assault with intent to murder, tampering with evidence, carrying a concealed weapon, and two counts of felony firearm. Her bond was set at $2.5 million. Dejuan Taylor was also arrested and faced charges of tampering with evidence, firearm larceny, carrying a concealed weapon, and larceny. His bond was set at $250,000. A trial date has been set for the siblings.
