Rochester, New York – A tragic house fire meant for someone else claimed the life of a sleeping 5-year-old boy, and two people involved in the deadly attack have now been sentenced. Prosecutors say the suspects targeted the wrong home during a misguided retaliation attempt, leading to a child’s death and devastating an entire family.
A Monroe County judge sentenced 22-year-old Tiakayla Hendrix and 36-year-old Roy Chambers on Monday for acting as lookouts while the fire was set. Their accomplice, 31-year-old Taquida Hendrix, allegedly ignited the blaze that killed 5-year-old Malakai Stovall, who was tucked into bed at the time. Tiakayla received nine years in prison, while Chambers was sentenced to twelve years as part of plea agreements. Taquida’s sentencing is scheduled after a court hearing on January 7, 2026.
How the Deadly Mistake Happened
Investigators say the fire was set in the early morning hours of July 28, 2024, on a two-story Rochester home. Prosecutors explained that the group believed someone involved in an earlier alleged attack on the Hendrix sisters’ father lived there. Instead, it was Malakai’s home, and the family inside had no connection to the dispute.
According to court records, Taquida poured gasoline outside the residence and ignited it. Tiakayla and Chambers accompanied her to the home and stood watch as the blaze spread rapidly. Malakai, asleep upstairs, suffered severe injuries and later died at the hospital.
During Taquida’s September trial, Assistant District Attorney Kevin Sunderland said the evidence made it clear who was responsible.
“She poured the liquid that was ignited outside of the home of the victim, and she’s the reason why this happened.”
Jurors took just 30 minutes to convict Taquida of second-degree murder and first-degree arson.
Heartbreaking Testimony From the Family
Malakai’s mother, Brianna Akers, delivered an emotional statement at the sentencing. She described how her life has been shattered.
“I just want them to know how much they destroyed my life… It’s been more than a struggle to carry on without him.”
His grandmother, Karen Mitchell, said she wished she could have taken her grandson’s place. She recalled the moment she realized he would not survive.
“I felt as if my heart had stopped. I wished it was me… Watching as my greatest gift was taking his last breath.”
In a previous interview, Akers shared how long her son fought for his life.
“My baby was up there for 21 minutes with no heartbeat.”
The grief in the courtroom made clear how irreplaceable Malakai was to his family.
What the Lookouts Said in Court
Both Tiakayla and Chambers apologized directly to the family during their sentencing.
Chambers told the court,
“I couldn’t imagine losing one of my kids. I’m sorry for what took place.”
Tiakayla, who testified against her sister, said the tragedy was never her intent.
“I’m sorry, truly. I hope you can forgive me with all your heart.”
Her attorney told reporters that she did not know a child was inside the home and had no part in lighting the fire.
The Plot to Seek Revenge
Officials believe the arson was a misguided attempt to retaliate for an earlier assault on the Hendrix family’s father. The suspects believed someone connected to the incident lived at Malakai’s address. Prosecutors say the retaliation plan was based on wrong information, and they mistakenly chose an innocent family’s home.
Malakai’s grandmother expressed disbelief that such an error could take place.
“Why him? Why us?”
Prosecutors described the case as senseless and preventable, highlighting how a minor dispute spiraled into a homicide.
Plea Deals and Public Reaction
Tiakayla and Chambers were initially charged with murder and arson. They later accepted plea deals to reduced charges in exchange for testimony against Taquida. Tiakayla was also accused of purchasing the lighter used in the attack.
Some family members expressed frustration that all three suspects would not be tried together. Still, they said the convictions bring some measure of accountability.
A Community Still Shocked
The death of a young child under such circumstances left the neighborhood reeling. The case drew widespread attention due to the age of the victim, the deliberate nature of the act, and the mistaken-identity motive.
Akers shared her reaction after the guilty verdict for Taquida:
“At least be able to hear and see the same thing I did, and that is guilty of murder and arson.”
Although the sentences provide some legal closure, the family emphasized that nothing will fill the void left by Malakai’s death.
Conclusion
The Rochester community continues to mourn a life cut tragically short. A retaliation plot based on false assumptions led to a devastating loss, and the sentencing of those involved marks a significant step in the long path toward healing for Malakai’s family.
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