Washington, D.C. — Six years have passed since the tragic summer incident that stole the life of 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson. Among 34 fatalities recorded between Memorial Day and Labor Day in 2018, Makiyah’s death was particularly harrowing. She was hit by a stray bullet after buying ice cream outside her Northeast Washington home, in an event that shook the community.
The violence unfolded rapidly as masked gunmen unleashed a barrage of 50 bullets in just 20 seconds, shooting indiscriminately and leaving Makiyah fatally wounded and four others injured, including her older sister. Federal authorities believe the shooting was a result of gang rivalry, a circumstance that continues to rampage through neighborhoods, leading to more victims each year.
As the courtroom proceedings continue with three of the 12 individuals charged still awaiting trial, Pandora Wilson, Makiyah’s grandmother, attends every session. Despite the emotional toll, she views her presence as a tribute to her granddaughter. “I am here to find out why this happened,” Wilson, 59, stated outside the D.C. Superior Court. “These officers and legal teams are fighting for my grandbaby, and I ought to be here, we all should.”
Wilson, who carries the weight of the murder since it happened, expressed both numbness and determination. The city too grapples with these recurring events of gun violence, particularly during hot summers. Wilson’s chorus of support and her call for justice resonate not just in her immediate community but also in wider efforts to curb violent crimes in the district.
The impact of Makiyah’s death was extensive; it prompted declarations from officials and new legislative actions to address gun violence. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser and the D.C. Council have both taken steps to tighten gun laws in the wake of the shooting, which also inspired multiple public tributes, including street art and music, and the renaming of a street in Makiyah’s honor.
Testimonies from Makiyah’s family were particularly heart-wrenching during the trials. With each recount of the events, the family relived the trauma, highlighting the painful details of Makiyah’s last moments and the devastating impact on her family. Her mother, Donetta Wilson, who had to fly back to Washington for the trials, admitted the emotional load was often unbearable.
Authorities initially charged 11 people with links to the shooting; six have been convicted and sentenced to lengthy prison terms. Relationship strains surfaced as Donetta and her husband separated after their daughter’s death, a testament to the lingering grief that shadowed the Wilson family.
Security measures were heightened in and around the courtroom due to tensions and emotional outbursts during the hearings, underscoring the charged atmosphere of the proceedings. On one occasion, Pandora Wilson left the courtroom in distress when a defense attorney asked the judge for leniency for a convicted gunman.
Through these trials, discussions about the societal impacts of gun violence and gang rivalry resurface. The community’s ongoing engagement in these discussions is critical, as noted by Wilson, who insists on the importance of remembering Makiyah and confronting the issues leading to such tragedies.
For Pandora Wilson, each day in court is a step toward closure, even as it reopens wounds and challenges her physical and emotional endurance. “It’s a process, a difficult one. But it’s necessary. We need to remember. The city needs to remember,” she asserted, determined to see the process through for the sake of her granddaughter and community peace.