A 17-year-old boy survived a harrowing shooting that claimed the lives of two sisters, but the tragedy left a permanent scar on the Tuscaloosa community. The victims, 20-year-old Kaliyah Houston and her 16-year-old sister, were killed inside their own home at the Woodlawn Manor Apartments late Monday night,
while infants slept just feet away, witnessing a scene far beyond their understanding. The surviving teen was struck during the shooting, but authorities say the injuries were not fatal.The suspect, 19-year-old Keshawn Jermichael Woods, was not a stranger. He had been living in the Houston home as a guest for months, a presence meant to be trusted and welcomed.
Neighbors report that an argument erupted late Monday night between Kaliyah and Woods. Although the specifics of the dispute remain unclear, it escalated quickly and tragically, resulting in Woods allegedly drawing a firearm and opening fire inside the apartment. Kaliyah and her younger sister were killed instantly, while the teen victim was critically injured but survived.
Authorities arrived shortly after the shooting and found the devastating scene: two sisters fatally shot and young children traumatized by the violence that unfolded in their home. The surviving teen was transported to a local hospital, where he received treatment and is expected to recover. Police have since taken Woods into custody without incident, and he faces multiple charges, including homicide.
Friends, family, and neighbors are left grappling with shock, grief, and a sense of disbelief at how quickly a household could descend into tragedy. Community members are mourning the loss of Kaliyah and her sister while also rallying around the surviving teen, who will carry the memory of that night with him. The incident has brought renewed attention to domestic disputes, gun violence, and the urgent need for community support in preventing such tragedies in the future.
About the Author
