Makayla May Riley, 22, Killed in Birmingham Shooting; Suspect Detained

A 22-year-old woman identified as Makayla May Riley has died following a shooting in Birmingham, Alabama, on Wednesday night, November 4, 2026.

The fatal incident is being investigated as a homicide after police responded to reports of gunfire at a home in the 800 block of 44th Place North, in the Kingston community.

According to reports, officers arrived at approximately 10:48 p.m. and found Riley suffering from gunshot wounds. Birmingham Fire and Rescue personnel pronounced her dead at approximately 11:28 p.m.

The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Makayla May Riley, 22, of Birmingham.

Details of the Birmingham shooting

Preliminary information indicates that the shooting followed an argument between Riley and a man at the residence. Authorities are investigating the incident as a reported domestic assault.

A 23-year-old man was detained and taken to Birmingham Police headquarters for questioning. Reports stated that he was placed on a 48-hour felony hold as investigators continued examining the circumstances surrounding Riley’s death.

As of the latest reports available on November 5, formal charges had not been announced. The man’s identity has not been publicly confirmed in the reports reviewed.

Suspect reportedly identified as Riley’s boyfriend

A social media post circulating about the incident identifies the detained man as Riley’s boyfriend. However, that relationship has not been independently confirmed in the official information reviewed.

The post also claims that the man appeared on a Facebook livestream making statements including, “I just (expletive) up my whole life,” and “I got so much potential.”

The authenticity, timing and full context of the alleged livestream have not been independently verified. These statements should therefore be treated as claims circulating online, not as established evidence or an official account of what happened.

Police investigation continues

Birmingham Police are continuing their investigation into the fatal shooting. Detectives are working to establish the events leading up to the incident and determine the circumstances surrounding Riley’s death.

Authorities have not publicly released all the details of the investigation, and the suspect’s legal status may change as the case develops.

Anyone with information about the shooting is encouraged to contact the Birmingham Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 205-254-1764. Anonymous information may also be provided to Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.

Remembering Makayla May Riley

Makayla May Riley was 22 years old when her life ended in the Birmingham shooting.

Her death has left a painful loss for those who knew and loved her. Further information about her family, personal life and memorial arrangements was not included in the reports available at the time of publication.

As the investigation continues, her loved ones and the Birmingham community await further answers about the circumstances that led to her death.