Makayla May Riley, a 22-year-old woman from Birmingham, Alabama, died after being shot inside an apartment in the city’s Kingston neighborhood on Wednesday night, November 4, 2026. Her death is being investigated as a homicide, with her 23-year-old boyfriend taken into police custody.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified Riley as the victim of the shooting at Rev. Dr. Morrell Todd Homes, located in the 800 block of 44th Place North. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police Investigate Deadly Apartment Shooting
Birmingham police officers were dispatched to the apartment shortly before 10:45 p.m. after receiving reports of gunfire.
When officers arrived, they found Riley with gunshot wounds. Emergency personnel responded, but she was pronounced dead at approximately 11:28 p.m., according to authorities.
Police spokesperson Officer De’Rell Freeman said an individual had been detained in connection with the incident. Investigators indicated that an argument reportedly took place before the shooting.
Boyfriend Held as Investigation Continues
The person taken into custody was identified in reports as Riley’s 23-year-old boyfriend. He was transported to Birmingham police headquarters for questioning.
Shortly before 7 a.m. on Thursday, November 5, he was booked into Birmingham City Jail on a 48-hour hold.
Authorities had not announced a final charging decision in the information provided. Investigators are still working to establish what happened during the reported argument and the events that immediately preceded the gunfire.
A Facebook Live recording from the scene also circulated online. The footage reportedly showed a man outside the apartment making emotional remarks after the shooting. However, the recording alone does not establish the full circumstances of the incident.
Birmingham Records Another Homicide
Riley’s death came amid a series of killings reported in Birmingham over several days. According to the original report, her shooting was the city’s fifth homicide since Saturday and the second deadly incident in less than 24 hours in the Kingston neighborhood.
The report also placed Birmingham’s homicide count for 2026 at 41 following the incident.
Remembering Makayla May Riley
Makayla was just 22 years old. Her death has left those who knew her facing the loss of a young woman whose life ended in a violent incident that remains under investigation.
As detectives continue examining the case, her family, friends and loved ones are left to mourn while awaiting further answers about what happened inside the apartment.
Obituary: Makayla May Riley, a 22-year-old Birmingham resident, died on November 4, 2026, following a shooting in the Kingston neighborhood.
Cause of Death: Fatal gunshot injuries, according to the information provided by the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office.
Funeral Arrangements: No funeral or memorial service information has been provided.
Disclaimer: The investigation remains ongoing. The person taken into custody has not been identified as convicted of any crime, and allegations must be established through the legal process.