Two sisters were tragically killed in their own apartment in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, late Monday night, while infants slept just feet away—a horrifying scene that has left the community reeling. Authorities report that the person who allegedly carried out the attack was not a stranger, but someone the older sister, 20-year-old Kaliyah Houston, had welcomed into her life and home for months.
The suspect, 19-year-old Keshawn Jermichael Woods, had been staying at the Woodlawn Manor complex with Kaliyah. Neighbors reported hearing a loud argument shortly before gunfire erupted, though the specifics of the confrontation remain unknown. Investigators say that Woods allegedly pulled a handgun during the dispute and opened fire inside the apartment. The victims, Kaliyah and her 16-year-old sister, were both killed at the scene.
Police arrived quickly after receiving emergency calls, but there was nothing left to do to save the sisters. The infants in the home were unharmed physically but were immediately placed in protective care. Authorities are working to ensure their safety and are offering support services to family members grappling with the immense trauma of losing two loved ones so suddenly.
Friends, neighbors, and community members described Kaliyah and her sister as bright, caring, and deeply devoted to their family. Their lives were tragically cut short in an incident that has shaken the Tuscaloosa community and raised questions about domestic disputes and gun violence.Woods was taken into custody without incident, and police have confirmed he is facing multiple charges, including homicide.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities piece together the events leading up to this devastating night. The family and community now face the difficult task of mourning and remembering the two sisters, whose lives, though brief, left a lasting impression on everyone who knew them. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of how quickly violence can devastate families and neighborhoods alike.
