Rochester, NY – A 5-year-old boy was killed in a late-night blaze that prosecutors say was deliberately set as part of a violent retaliation — and the woman accused of starting the fire is now facing trial, with her own sister expected to take the stand.
Malakai Stovall was asleep on the second floor of his Portland Avenue home when flames tore through the residence around 2 a.m. on July 28, according to officials. The child was pulled from the fire but later died from his injuries, devastating his mother, Brianna Akers, who has since shared her grief publicly while thanking the community for its support.
Prosecutors allege that Taquida Hendrix, 31, along with her sister Tiakayla Hendrix, 21, and a third man, Roy Chambers, drove to the home and ignited the fire. Investigators believe the blaze was set in retaliation after the Hendrix sisters’ father was allegedly attacked earlier that day. Authorities say the suspects mistakenly targeted Stovall’s home, believing someone involved in the assault lived there.
Taquida Hendrix has been charged with murder and arson. Tiakayla Hendrix is expected to testify against her sister as part of the proceedings, local ABC affiliate WHAM reported.
In the weeks since the tragedy, Stovall’s family has turned to the community for help rebuilding their lives. Akers has organized a fundraiser to cover expenses, saying she lost everything in the fire and is now left mourning her son.
The trial is expected to highlight the chaotic events that led to the fire and the chain of decisions prosecutors say turned an alleged family dispute into a deadly act of arson.
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Key Points
- A July house fire in Rochester killed 5-year-old Malakai Stovall while he was sleeping upstairs.
- Prosecutors say the blaze was deliberately set by Taquida Hendrix, her sister, and a third man as retaliation.
- Hendrix faces murder and arson charges, with her sister expected to testify against her at trial.
Justice for Malakai now lies in the courtroom.
