Ma’Kayla May Riley, a 22-year-old Birmingham woman, was shot and killed inside a residence in the Kingston community on Wednesday night, November 4, 2026. Her boyfriend, identified in circulating reports as 23-year-old Dylan Michael Nash, was taken into custody as police continued investigating the fatal shooting.
According to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, Riley was shot in the 800 block of 44th Place North. Birmingham police officers responded to the address at approximately 10:48 p.m. after receiving reports of a shooting.
Riley was pronounced dead at the scene at 11:28 p.m. The coroner’s office identified her as a Birmingham resident.
Police Say Argument Preceded Fatal Shooting
Birmingham police said their preliminary investigation indicated that a verbal altercation between Riley and the suspect took place before the shooting.
Officer De’Rell Freeman confirmed that one person was in custody in connection with the incident. The individual was transported to Birmingham Police Headquarters for questioning while investigators continued gathering evidence.
The suspect was reportedly identified as Dylan Michael Nash, 23, who was described in reports as Riley’s boyfriend. He was placed on a 48-hour felony hold and booked into the Birmingham City Jail shortly before 7 a.m. Thursday.
Police had not publicly confirmed his identity or announced formal charges in the information available at the time of reporting. Investigators are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting and what led to the confrontation.
Video Circulates After Shooting
A Facebook Live recording shared by a bystander at the scene reportedly showed a man outside the residence shortly after the shooting, appearing distressed and making comments about having ruined his life and having significant potential.
The recording has circulated online, although the circumstances surrounding it have not been independently established.
Family Shares Tributes to Ma’Kayla May Riley
Following Riley’s death, relatives took to social media to share tributes and mourn the loss of the young woman.
Her cousin, Latisha, reportedly disclosed that Riley had recently experienced the loss of her unborn baby, adding to the family’s grief.
In an emotional tribute, Latisha also spoke about domestic violence and the devastating consequences of abusive relationships, expressing sorrow over Riley’s death.
Birmingham Records Another Kingston Homicide
Riley’s killing adds to a series of homicides reported in Birmingham in recent days. The shooting was described as the city’s fifth homicide since Saturday and the second fatal incident in the Kingston community within less than 24 hours.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified Riley as Birmingham’s 41st homicide victim of the year.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the full circumstances of the shooting. Riley’s family and loved ones are mourning her death.
