On March 17, 2024, 15-year-old Kayla Rincon-Miller was shot and killed in Cape Coral, Florida, during a violent attempted robbery. Kayla was walking with two friends from the Coralwood Marquee Cinemas to a nearby McDonald's when they were confronted by individuals in a car. The attackers, later identified as 16-year-old Thomas Stein and 16-year-old Christopher Horne Jr., jumped out of a silver SUV and demanded the girls' bags. During the confrontation, Kayla was shot in the chest and despite immediate medical attention, including the use of military-grade wound packs, she died at the hospital.
The incident occurred when Kayla's mother, Luz Rincon, had dropped her off at the movie theater. After the movie, Kayla and her friends decided to walk to McDonald's, a decision that tragically ended in her death. Luz Rincon received a devastating phone call informing her of the shooting and rushed to the scene, only to be met with the heartbreaking news of her daughter's passing.
Thomas Stein was arrested on March 19, 2024, and charged as a principal to a murder while engaged in a robbery. He was identified as the driver of the suspect vehicle, which was rented by his mother. Stein was initially held in juvenile detention but was later charged as an adult and moved to an adult jail. Christopher Horne Jr. was arrested a month later, on April 17, 2024, and faces the same charges as Stein.
Both Stein and Horne Jr. have since been indicted for first-degree murder and three counts of attempted robbery while possessing a firearm. The indictment was announced by State Attorney Amira Fox, who emphasized the severity of the crime and the impact on Kayla's family and friends. The maximum penalty they face is life in prison, as they are not eligible for the death penalty due to their age.
In addition to the arrests of Stein and Horne Jr., three family members of Horne Jr. — his mother, father, and aunt — have been arrested for allegedly threatening Stein's mother to keep quiet and not cooperate with the police. The investigation is ongoing, with police still seeking additional suspects and urging anyone with information to come forward.
Kayla's mother has publicly expressed her grief and gratitude for the community's support, appealing to those involved in the murder to turn themselves in. She described Kayla as a fun-loving, determined girl with many dreams and a bright future ahead of her. The community has rallied around the family, offering condolences and support during this difficult time.
