66-year-old woman narrowly escapes gunfire in shooting that killed beloved Birmingham rapper
A 66-year-old woman narrowly escaped injury or worse in a Wednesday night shooting that killed a beloved Birmingham rap artist, and seriously wounded another man.
Multiple shots rang out just after 8 p.m. at a house in the 700 block of 30th Street S.W.
When West Precinct officers arrived at the home, they found 28-year-old Kayla Alexandria Warren, who goes by the professional name 205KayWay, shot on the front porch of a friend’s home.
Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service rushed her to UAB Hospital where she was pronounced dead at 10:45 p.m.
Police said they learned a second victim had been driven by private vehicle to Princeton Baptist Medical Center. He was reportedly then transferred to UAB Hospital with life-threatening injuries.
A group of people were gathered at the home when the suspect or suspects opened fire.
Investigators don’t believe Warren was the target but could have instead just been in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Warren leaves behind a young daughter.
“She was sweet, very caring,’’ said Warren’s cousin, who didn’t want her name used. “She was a great mom to her daughter.”
“She was kicking off with her rap career and just recently started going back to Midfield School of Cosmetology to her license,’’ she said. “She is going to be truly missed.”
It wasn’t immediately clear how many shots were fired but at least six bullets entered the home of neighbor Marian Redwine.
Redwine was sitting in a lounge chair in her bedroom watching television when the bullets started flying.
“I heard a lot of shooting,’’ Redwine said. “They do it all the time, but it was too close.”
Redwine got out of her chair to take cover. It was a move that likely saved her life.
Multiple bullets entered her bedroom from outside. They were on level with where she was sitting and would have been lying in her bed.
“If I’d been in my bed, I’d be dead,’’ she said. “They were surprised I wasn’t dead in my chair.”
One of the bullets hit a metal cup that was on a table in front of Redwine’s chair. It contained 20 new ink pens that exploded on impact, sending ink all over her medicines, vitamins and floor.
Another bullet pierced the television screen. It is still working.
“I didn’t know it went through the TV until the police lady told me,’’ Redwine said.
“When I fell to the floor, that’s what saved me,’’ she said.
The ordeal was terrifying for Redwine, who has lived in her home for 13 years.
“I ain’t never been so scared,’’ she said. “I haven’t slept all night.’’
“I’m tired of it,’’ Redwine said. “I don’t want to move but I’ve got to go now because I don’t feel safe in here.”
No arrests have been made.
Anyone with information is asked to call Birmingham homicide detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.