Indiana – In a horrific incident that has left Indiana residents in shock, a 16-year-old boy, identified as Emanuel C., is set to be tried as an adult in connection with the death of an 18-year-old girl, identified as Makayla B., whom he tried to rob of her money and pot before shooting her to death. The teen suspect, who was 15 at the time of the incident, is now charged with murder and other serious felonies, accused of opening fire during a robbery attempt that ended in the heartbreaking death of a young woman with her whole life ahead of her.
Emanuel has been charged with two counts of murder, attempt to commit robbery resulting in serious bodily injury, and dangerous possession of a firearm following the shooting death of Makayla on September 29, 2024. Authorities confirmed this week that Emanuel will be prosecuted as an adult. Court documents reveal that Makayla and her younger brother had arranged through social media to sell pot to Emanuel, who was her brother’s classmate. The siblings drove to the arranged apartment complex, expecting a simple transaction. Instead, it turned into a deadly ambush.
According to statements provided by Makayla’s brother, once they arrived, Emanuel and another male approached their vehicle with guns drawn. One of the suspects reportedly ordered them to give everything they had in their possession. In a panic, Makayla’s brother reversed the car in an attempt to flee. It was then that the gunfire erupted. Makayla, seated in the front passenger seat, was struck in the chest by a bullet. Her brother frantically attempted to get her to a hospital but soon realized she had lost consciousness. He pulled over and was holding her when police and paramedics arrived. Makayla was rushed to the hospital, where she was later pronounced dead.
Detectives recovered 9mm and 10mm shell casings at the scene, indicating two firearms were used. The vehicle had a single bullet hole on the passenger door — the same side where Makayla sat when she was struck. During the investigation, police located Emanuel at a residence the following day. In interviews with detectives, Emanuel initially denied possessing a gun or firing any shots. He claimed the people in the vehicle had a weapon, which prompted the other individual with him to begin shooting. However, police found no evidence that Makayla or her brother were ever armed.
Further undermining Emanuel’s account, a separate witness told investigators that Emanuel had mentioned plans to “rob a white boy of some marijuana” earlier that day. That witness also confirmed seeing Emanuel and the other suspect in possession of black handguns before the fatal shooting took place. Makayla’s brother later confirmed that Emanuel was his classmate and identified him as the shooter. He was unsure of the second suspect’s identity. Police believe the other shooter to be Emanuel’s brother, though authorities have not confirmed whether he will face charges.
Makayla’s death left her loved ones devastated. Her obituary described her as “vibrant, outgoing, compassionate, and intelligent,” a young woman who “lit up every room with her smile.” Friends and family remember her as someone who loved shopping, spending time with friends, and making people laugh. Emanuel was arrested the day after the shooting and is now being held in the county jail. His initial court appearance was scheduled for this week. Prosecutors have opted to try him as an adult, citing the severity of the crime, the premeditated robbery attempt, and his use of a firearm. As the case proceeds through the court system, Makayla’s family continues to grieve the loss of a daughter and sister whose life ended far too soon.
