In the quiet community of Cedarbluff, Mississippi, a bright and joyful seven-year-old Black female named Mikiylia Guines tragically lost her life on Friday, January 9, 2026. Born on September 5, 2018, Mikiylia was a student at Churchill Elementary School, known for her radiant smile and love for dancing, her favorite dolls, and anything Hello Kitty.
Her life, full of promise, was cut short in a devastating act of violence that also claimed the lives of five other individuals.
The idyllic peace of the neighborhood was shattered when 24-year-old Daricka Moore, identified as Mikiylia's cousin, embarked on a violent rampage. Before arriving at the home where Mikiylia was, Moore had allegedly already shot and killed his own father, Glenn Moore, 67, his brother, Quinten Moore, 33, and his uncle, Willie Ed Guines, 55, at a separate residence. He then proceeded to a second home on Blake Road.
At this second location, Moore is accused of forcing his way inside and fatally shooting Mikiylia with a gunshot wound to the head. Reports indicate that at the time of the incident, he also attempted to commit sexual battery. Witnesses stated that Moore also threatened another, younger child with a firearm, though that child was not physically harmed. After this, he allegedly continued his violent spree at a third location, where he is accused of killing Reverend Barry Bradley and his brother, Samuel Bradley.
Daricka Moore was apprehended by law enforcement on the same evening near Pine Grove Road and Joe Myers Road. He was found in possession of a rifle and a handgun. Moore has since been charged with a litany of crimes, including three counts of capital murder, three counts of first-degree murder, attempted murder, attempted sexual battery, burglary, and two counts of felony motor vehicle theft. Prosecutors have indicated their intent to seek the death penalty. At his initial court appearance, Moore pleaded not guilty to all charges and was denied bond. A judge has ordered him to undergo a mental health evaluation as the legal proceedings continue. The motive for the devastating series of events remains under investigation.
