Naya Reynolds

Naya Reynolds was a 22-year-old Black/African American woman with a bright future and a heart for giving. A student at Western Michigan University studying criminal justice, Naya was known by family and friends for her infectious energy and a smile that could light up a room. Her mother, Maya Davis, recalled how Naya would insist on stopping the car to give money to homeless people. She was a beloved sister and aunt who loved to cheer, cook, and bring her family together. Her former cheerleading coach described her as a "ball of energy that just loved people."

On the night of August 26, 2022, Naya was a passenger in a Dodge Durango driven by her father in Portage, Michigan. Also in the vehicle were a 35-year-old pregnant woman, Zahkia Bryant, and her 18-month-old daughter. Their car was chased by another vehicle, from which a man began firing shots with a stolen AR-15 rifle. Naya's father tried to flee onto Interstate 94, but he lost control and crashed near the Oakland Drive on-ramp. The gunman then got out of his car and continued shooting at the Durango. Naya was struck and killed as she tried to get out of the wrecked vehicle. Bryant and her toddler were also shot but survived; tragically, Bryant's unborn child did not.

The investigation quickly identified the shooter as Myquan Deontae Rogers, then 31. Testimony later revealed that the incident began when Rogers held his ex-girlfriend at gunpoint and forced her to drive and pursue the Durango. Though Rogers did not personally know Naya or the other passengers, authorities did not believe the attack was random. After a warrant was issued for his arrest, Rogers was located and taken into custody on November 17, 2022, at an apartment in Oshtemo Township.

Rogers was charged with multiple felonies, including open murder and three counts of attempted murder. After a judge determined there was sufficient evidence, the case was bound over to circuit court. In April 2025, Rogers reached a plea agreement and entered a no contest plea to second-degree murder, assault with intent to murder, felony firearm, and discharging a weapon from a vehicle.

On August 18, 2025, Myquan Rogers was sentenced to serve 315 months to 70 years in prison for the murder of Naya Reynolds, with concurrent sentences for the other charges. At the hearing, Rogers apologized to Naya's family, calling her death an "unfortunate incident." The judge rebuked him, stating, "Not an unfortunate incident, Mr. Rogers. An evil, despicable, completely within your control that showed very little, if anything, of mercy." With the sentencing, the case was officially closed as of August 2025.