TUSCALOOSA, AL — Kaliyah Houston and Sister Fatally Shot Inside Woodlawn Manor Apartment
TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Tuscaloosa community is reeling after the tragic deaths of 20-year-old Kaliyah Houston and her 16-year-old sister, who were shot in their own apartment at Woodlawn Manor Apartments just before midnight on Monday. The shooting occurred while infants and very young children were present in the apartment, forcing the youngest witnesses to share the same space where violence erupted. The incident has left neighbors, friends, and family grappling with shock, disbelief, and grief, as the sisters were taken in a place that should have offered safety and comfort.
According to authorities, 19-year-old Keshawn Jermichael Woods, who had been staying in the apartment for months, was responsible for the shooting. Police reports indicate that Woods and the sisters got into an argument that escalated rapidly. Rather than de-escalating or leaving, Woods allegedly drew a handgun and fired inside the apartment. The victims were struck, while a 17-year-old boy present in the home was also shot but managed to escape and seek help. Fortunately, the infants and other very young children in the apartment were unharmed physically, though they were forced to witness the terror unfolding around them.
Responding officers arrived around 11:30 p.m., finding the two sisters with fatal injuries. By that time, Woods had already fled the scene on foot. The U.S. Marshals task force later apprehended him, and he is now held without bond on charges of two counts of capital murder and one count of attempted murder. Investigators have not released a definitive motive beyond the argument, and the identity of the surviving 17-year-old is being protected due to his age.
Friends and neighbors describe Kaliyah Houston and her sister as bright, caring, and full of potential. Both were integral to their community, with loved ones recalling Kaliyah’s warmth and her sister’s lively, spirited nature. The loss of two young women under such violent circumstances has sent shockwaves through Tuscaloosa, highlighting the devastating consequences when conflicts spiral into deadly acts. The presence of children in the apartment during the shooting intensifies the tragedy, leaving questions about safety, awareness, and the fragility of domestic environments where families expect protection.
This incident underscores the unpredictable and irreversible consequences of moments of rage. Investigators continue to piece together the events leading up to the shooting, including the argument that triggered Woods’ actions. Community members have expressed both sorrow and outrage, seeking to understand how such a devastating event could unfold in what should have been a safe home. Vigils and memorials are expected to honor Kaliyah Houston and her sister, offering space for grieving, remembrance, and reflection on the lives lost too soon.
While questions remain about what could have prevented this tragedy, the reality of the sisters’ absence is impossible to ignore. Kaliyah Houston and her 16-year-old sister will be remembered for the love, energy, and light they brought to their families and community, a stark reminder of the human cost of violence.
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