A family in Minneapolis are coming to terms with the death of a woman who was killed two days before she was due to give birth to a baby boy, CBS News reported.
On Sunday, January 8th, police responded to a call about a shooting at an Amazon warehouse in Lakeville, Minnesota. In the parking lot, officers discovered a heavily pregnant woman with gunshot wounds. Kyla O’Neal was transported to a nearby hospital, but unfortunately succumbed to her injuries. Though the 31-year-old was not able to survive, her son, Messiah, was delivered and is clinging to life.
“He lost a lot of oxygen to the brain, so he has no brain functioning right now,” Kyla’s mother, Katina O’Neal explained. “I’m holding onto faith. I’m praying. God got the last word, so hopefully He gives him to me. I need him to pull through this. I want him to. I can’t lose both of them- not right now, no.”
Including Messiah, Kyla leaves behind four children. Her family describes her as driven, outspoken, and great at anything she put her mind to. “All she ever thought about doing was making a life for her and her kids,” Katina said. “She was looking forward to this birth.”
Police documents state that Kyla’s shooter is her newborn’s father, Donte McCray. When she had attempted to end their relationship, an argument between the two turned violent, and he reportedly shot her. According to New York Post, McCray was found next to Kyla when officers arrived at the scene.
“He’s been interviewed. He’s been cooperating with us,” said Commander. Bill Gerl with the Lakeville Police Department. “He is in custody right now at the Dakota County Jail being held on second-degree manslaughter charges.”
Amazon has confirmed that McCray is an employee at the warehouse where the incident occurred and is assisting authorities in the investigation.
#Clique, please keep Kyla and Messiah in your thoughts and prayers.