SANTA MONICA, Calif. – A 27-year-old homeless woman is facing a murder charge and several other counts after allegedly shooting a man inside a parked car. The woman, Kayla Delise Mackie, is also implicated in other crimes in the Los Angeles area. According to court records, Mackie pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, attempted murder, assault with a semiautomatic firearm, and second-degree robbery on Tuesday. Additionally, the charges include multiple allegations of firearm use. She is due back in court at the Airport Branch Courthouse on March 21, when a date will be set for a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence for her to stand trial.
Mackie is accused of fatally shooting 46-year-old William Edwards III on January 25, a music producer who worked with various rap and hip-hop artists. The shooting took place near Ocean Park Boulevard in Santa Monica, and there is currently no known motive. The following day, Mackie was arrested in West Los Angeles and she remains jailed in lieu of $2 million bail.
Santa Monica police have indicated that Mackie is also tied to additional crimes in Los Angeles, including an armed robbery and an attempted homicide. The alleged crimes occurred the day before the fatal shooting, according to court records. Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock expressed shock and condolences for the victim’s family and friends and lauded the police for quickly apprehending the suspect.
Edwards was remembered by friends as a music producer who worked with artists including Travis Scott and Lil Cobaine, and he was the father of two young boys. Anyone with information regarding the fatal shooting was urged to contact the Santa Monica Police Department. The investigation into the case is ongoing.