Kayla Mackie: Homeless California woman taken into custody for 'senseless killing' of 'talented' music producer

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA: Murder charges have been brought against an unhoused woman who was detained last week in Santa Monica after she was accused of shooting a music producer.

Along with other offenses, prosecutors said that 27-year-old Kayla Delise Mackie was charged on Tuesday, January 30, in connection with the shooting death.

According to court records, Mackie was charged with murder, attempted murder, assault with a semiautomatic firearm and second-degree robbery.

Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock refers to shooting as 'senseless'

Officers were called to a report of gunfire on 29th Street, close to Ocean Park Boulevard, early on January 25. According to a Santa Monica city statement, they "located the victim of the shooting seated in his parked vehicle" at the scene.

William James Edwards III, the victim, was 46 years old. His stated address was in Venice, and according to sites like IMDb and LinkedIn, he had collaborated with artists like Travis Scott and Lil Cobaine.

In addition, he has at least two short films and the 2018 film 'Haunting on Fraternity Row' listed under his production credits.

"To say we were friends would put a damper on the brotherhood we’ve built and the moments and memories we’ve accumulated over the 9 years that we’ve been FAMILY," rapper Lil Cobaine wrote in a tribute to Edwards on his Instagram account.

"You meant the world to me," he added.

The reason behind the shooting, which Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock referred to as "senseless," is still unknown to the police, KTLA-TV reported.

"Last week’s senseless killing on 29th Street has left all of us shocked. My heart goes out to William’s family and friends, and my thoughts are with all who were affected by this tragic event,” Brock said in a statement. 

Kayla Mackie 'currently experiencing homelessness'

Edwards, also known as BJ, was described as "a talented man who excelled at everything he did" on a GoFundMe page for his two sons.

The page stated that many in the entertainment industry would miss the music producer. The morning following the shooting, Mackie, the suspect, was found by police in West Los Angeles.

The Santa Monica Police Department stated that witnesses who claimed to have seen Mackie leave the scene alerted them. The police described Mackie as "currently experiencing homelessness."

According to the city statement, Mackie was also "responsible for additional crimes in Los Angeles, including an armed robbery and an attempted homicide."