19-Year-Old Woman Charged with Murder in Foot Locker Shooting

On a seemingly ordinary Saturday afternoon in Eastpointe, Michigan, a violent confrontation unfolded in the parking lot of a Foot Locker store, leaving two men dead and two others injured. At the center of this tragic event is 19-year-old Lakylia Taylor, a Detroit woman now facing serious charges, including second-degree murder, after allegedly shooting four men. The incident, which occurred on May 3, 2025, reportedly stemmed from a heated argument that escalated into a physical fight, with Taylor claiming she acted to protect her brother, Dejuan Taylor, who was being attacked. This article dives deep into the details of the Foot Locker shooting, exploring the events leading up to it, the legal consequences, and the broader impact on the community.

The Incident: What Happened Outside Foot Locker?

The shooting took place around 2:45 p.m. in the parking lot of the Foot Locker located at 17755 E. Eight Mile Road, near Kelly Road. According to police reports, two groups of people who knew each other crossed paths in the parking lot. What began as a verbal disagreement quickly turned physical, escalating into a chaotic brawl. Surveillance footage from the store captured the entire ordeal, providing investigators with critical evidence.

During the fight, Lakylia Taylor’s 21-year-old brother, Dejuan Taylor, became a target. Reports indicate that one of the men, identified as Tyjaune Pierre Morris-Turner, exited a Jeep Compass with a gun in hand and began arguing with Dejuan. The situation worsened as two other men, Steven Edward Gardin Jr. and Juvan Maurice Newman, joined in, allegedly attacking Dejuan. Witnesses claim that one of the men used a firearm to strike Dejuan, possibly pistol-whipping him, while others physically assaulted him.

Fearing for her brother’s life, Lakylia reportedly ran to her car, retrieved a handgun, and returned to the scene. She later told police she believed her brother was in mortal danger. According to prosecutors, Lakylia opened fire, striking four men. Juvan Maurice Newman was shot and killed on the spot, while Steven Edward Gardin Jr. was fatally wounded and later died at a nearby hospital. Tyjaune Pierre Morris-Turner and another man were seriously injured but survived. The gunfire was precise, with reports indicating that multiple victims sustained gunshot wounds to the head.

Lakylia Taylor’s Actions and Arrest

After the shooting, Lakylia fled the scene in a black four-door sedan, leaving behind a shocked and grieving community. However, she didn’t remain at large for long. On Monday, May 5, 2025, her attorney contacted the Eastpointe Police Department and arranged for her to turn herself in. This decision came after negotiations, showing Lakylia’s willingness to face the consequences of her actions.

During her video arraignment on Thursday, May 8, Lakylia appeared visibly upset, her emotions raw as she faced a courtroom. She was charged with a slew of serious offenses, including second-degree murder, assault with intent to murder, tampering with evidence, carrying a concealed weapon, and two counts of felony firearm. If convicted of the most serious charge, second-degree murder, she could face life in prison. Her bond was set at a staggering $2.5 million cash/surety, with no 10% option, reflecting the gravity of the charges. She remains in custody at the Macomb County Jail, with her next court appearance scheduled for May 20, 2025.

Dejuan Taylor’s Role and Charges

The story took an unexpected turn when Lakylia’s brother, Dejuan Taylor, was also arrested in connection with the shooting. Prosecutors allege that after the gunfire, Dejuan took a gun and some magazines from one of the injured victims lying on the ground before fleeing with his sister. This act led to charges of tampering with evidence, firearms larceny, carrying a concealed weapon, and larceny less than $200—a misdemeanor. Dejuan, who was also injured in the altercation, was arraigned and given a $250,000 cash/surety bond. Like his sister, he is being held in the Macomb County Jail, with court dates set for May 20 and May 27, 2025.

The involvement of both siblings has added layers of complexity to the case, raising questions about their intentions and the dynamics of the confrontation. While Lakylia is the primary suspect, Dejuan’s actions after the shooting have drawn scrutiny, with prosecutors arguing that he attempted to obstruct justice.

The Self-Defense Argument

Lakylia Taylor’s defense attorney, Randall Upshaw, has been vocal in arguing that the shooting was an act of self-defense. He claims that Lakylia had no personal conflict with the victims and acted out of fear for her brother’s life. According to Upshaw, one of the men, Tyjaune Pierre Morris-Turner, was armed and appeared ready to kill Dejuan during the fight. “She didn’t know this individual. She had no beef with this individual,” Upshaw stated during the arraignment. “But she’s crying out there watching her brother attempt to be murdered.”

Upshaw’s argument hinges on the idea that Lakylia believed her brother was in immediate danger. He alleges that she retrieved what she thought was her brother’s pistol from the car and fired to protect him. The defense paints a picture of a young woman caught in a terrifying moment, making a split-second decision to save her sibling. However, prosecutors have rejected this narrative, arguing that Lakylia’s actions went beyond self-defense and constituted “street justice,” which is not permissible under the law.

Macomb County Prosecutor Peter Lucido emphasized this point, stating, “Self-defense of yourself and/or others is allowed, but street justice is never permissible.” The prosecution’s case is bolstered by the fact that the gun Lakylia used was unregistered, and her decision to shoot multiple times, including at men who were no longer actively fighting, undermines the self-defense claim. The surveillance footage, which captured the entire incident, will likely play a crucial role in determining whether Lakylia’s actions were justified or excessive.

The Victims: Lives Lost and Injured

The Foot Locker shooting claimed the lives of two young men, Juvan Maurice Newman and Steven Edward Gardin Jr., both described as being in their 20s or 30s. While little has been publicly shared about their backgrounds, their deaths have left a void in their families and the community. The two surviving victims, including Tyjaune Pierre Morris-Turner, sustained serious injuries, with Morris-Turner reportedly shot while on the ground. The conditions of the injured men remain unclear, but their survival adds another layer of complexity to the case, as their testimonies could influence the outcome.

The fact that the victims and suspects knew each other suggests a deeper backstory to the confrontation. Investigators have not yet revealed the exact nature of their relationship or the motive behind the initial argument, but the familiarity between the groups indicates that this was not a random act of violence. The loss of life and the injuries sustained have sparked conversations about the senselessness of such conflicts and the devastating consequences they bring.

Community Impact and Reactions

The shooting sent shockwaves through Eastpointe, a city that, like many others, grapples with the challenges of gun violence. The Foot Locker, located in a busy area near 8 Mile Road, is a popular spot for shoppers, and the brazen nature of the shooting—in broad daylight, in a public parking lot—has left residents shaken. Detective Lieutenant Alexander Holish of the Eastpointe Police Department expressed relief that no innocent bystanders were harmed, noting, “We are lucky that no innocent bystanders got hit by a stray bullet. We are very lucky that bullets didn’t enter the store and hit people who were just coming to shop.”

Local community activist Oliver Gantt voiced the frustration felt by many, calling the incident “another act of senseless violence” that impacts the entire community. Residents like Derrick Johnson, whose wife was in a nearby nail salon at the time of the shooting, expressed concern for the younger generation. “I got two young men myself, so I’m concerned about what’s going on in the community,” Johnson said. “When I come out to see this keeps happening, it’s a shame, man. We gotta stop doing this to one another.”

The tragedy has reignited discussions about gun violence, particularly among young people, and the need for proactive solutions. Gantt called for more community engagement and support for youth, urging leaders to address the root causes of such conflicts before they escalate into deadly encounters.

Legal Proceedings and What’s Next

As the case moves forward, both Lakylia and Dejuan Taylor face significant legal battles. Lakylia’s probable cause conference is set for May 20, 2025, with a preliminary exam scheduled for May 27. These hearings will determine whether there is enough evidence to proceed to trial. The prosecution will likely rely heavily on the surveillance footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence, such as ballistics, to build their case. The defense, meanwhile, will continue to argue that Lakylia acted in self-defense, a claim that could sway a jury if supported by compelling evidence.

Dejuan’s role, while less central, will also be scrutinized. His charges, particularly tampering with evidence, suggest that prosecutors believe he played an active part in covering up the crime. His court dates align with his sister’s, and the outcomes of their cases may be intertwined, given their shared involvement in the incident.

The high bond amounts—$2.5 million for Lakylia and $250,000 for Dejuan—reflect the seriousness of the charges and the court’s concern about the potential risk to the community. If either sibling is released on bond, they will be required to wear a GPS tether, ensuring close monitoring by authorities.

The Bigger Picture: Gun Violence in America

The Foot Locker shooting is a stark reminder of the pervasive issue of gun violence in the United States. According to data from the Gun Violence Archive, shootings near commercial areas, schools, and public spaces are alarmingly common, with thousands of incidents occurring each year. The fact that this shooting involved young people, some of whom were armed, highlights the accessibility of firearms and the ease with which disputes can turn deadly.

The incident also raises questions about the role of self-defense laws and how they are interpreted in court. While Michigan law allows individuals to use force to protect themselves or others from imminent harm, the line between self-defense and excessive force is often blurry. Lakylia Taylor’s case will likely spark debates about where that line lies and whether her actions were justified given the circumstances.

Phacts’ Commitment to Truth and Understanding

At Phacts, we believe in digging deep into stories like this to uncover the facts and present them in a way that’s clear and engaging. The Foot Locker shooting is more than just a headline; it’s a complex event that touches on issues of family loyalty, community safety, and the consequences of violence. By sharing these details, we aim to foster understanding and encourage meaningful conversations about how to address the challenges facing our society.

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