In the late summer evening of August 27, 2023, the life of 19-year-old Khiya King was tragically cut short in Demopolis, Alabama. A Black female, King was inside a residence at 908 South Glover Street when gunfire erupted at approximately 8:26 p.m. Responding to the reports, Demopolis Police Department officers discovered King suffering from a gunshot wound. First responders rendered aid at the scene before she was transported to Whitfield Regional Hospital, where she was ultimately pronounced deceased.
Investigators at the scene found multiple shell casings from different caliber weapons outside the home, indicating the house had been specifically targeted by the shooters. The Demopolis Police Department, with assistance from the 17th Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force, launched an intensive investigation into the fatal shooting. This led to the execution of search warrants at two other residences within Demopolis in the early hours of August 29. The searches yielded the discovery of several firearms and other crucial evidence.
The investigation quickly led to the apprehension of five individuals in connection with Khiya King's death. Three adults, all 22-years-old at the time—Robert Lee Mosley III, Jaquan T. Brown, and Markell Hood, all from Demopolis—were arrested. Alongside them, two juveniles were also taken into custody. All five suspects were subsequently charged with capital murder. Demopolis Police Chief Rex Flowers publicly commended the diligence and determination of the officers and investigators who worked to resolve the case swiftly. A graveside service to honor Khiya King's memory was held on September 2, 2023, at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Demopolis.
