by Monroe County, N.Y. – A New York woman who set a house on fire in 2024, killing a 5-year-old boy, has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison, along with additional time for related charges. The attack, prosecutors said, was a mistaken act of retaliation after the woman believed someone in the home had assaulted her father.
Tragic Fire Unleashed in Retaliation
On July 28, 2024, Taquida Hendrix, 33, and her accomplices, Tiakayla Hendrix, 21, and Roy Chambers, approached a residence in Monroe County with the intent to retaliate for an alleged assault on their father earlier that day. Believing the occupant was responsible, Hendrix poured gasoline on the front porch and ignited it while a 5-year-old boy, Malakai Stovall, was asleep on the second floor.
“The juvenile was not her intended target, yet she set the house ablaze without regard for the lives inside,” said District Attorney Perry Duckles following her conviction. Flames ripped through the home at around 2 a.m., leading to the boy’s death. Thankfully, no other lives were lost, though the house suffered significant damage.
Convictions and Maximum Sentencing
Hendrix was convicted in September 2025 of:
- Second-degree murder
- First-degree arson
- Second-degree assault
On Wednesday, she was sentenced to:
- 25 years to life for murder and arson
- Seven years for assault
- Five years post-release supervision
Monroe County Assistant District Attorney Kevin Sunderland described the sentence as “absolutely appropriate” and condemned the act as “not forgivable, not redeemable, and wrong in every way.”
Family Reactions in Court
Malakai’s family expressed heartbreaking anguish during the sentencing. His grandmother, Karen Mitchell, told the court:
“There was no mercy, no reprieve for my grandson. She’s responsible for the heinous crime that took Kai Kai’s life in the most horrible way imaginable.”
Malakai’s mother, Brianna Akers, added:
“I would like her to get life in prison without parole. This has been the worst experience of my life. I hope no one ever has to experience this.”
Accomplices’ Roles and Sentencing
Hendrix’s sister, Tiakayla, and Roy Chambers acted as lookouts during the fire. Both pleaded guilty to second-degree arson and were sentenced to nine years and twelve years, respectively. During their sentencing, both expressed remorse to Malakai’s family.
“I truly understand your pain. I’m sorry for what took place,” Chambers told the court.
Tiakayla Hendrix, who testified against her sister during the trial, also offered an apology:
“I’m sorry, truly. It wasn’t my intention to hurt anybody. I hope you can forgive me and accept my apology.”
Taquida Hendrix Remains Silent
Taquida Hendrix chose not to speak during her sentencing, following her attorney’s advice. Defense counsel Paul Guerrieri noted:
“There’s a difference between intentionally pursuing murder and making a horrible, foolish decision that results in tragedy.”
Jurors took just 30 minutes to convict Hendrix, highlighting the strength of the evidence and the severity of the crime.
Community and Legal Reactions
Authorities emphasized the intentional nature of the act, even if the victim was not the intended target. Sunderland told reporters:
“Taquida Hendrix doesn’t deserve to be remembered. We should only remember the wonderful things Malakai did and all the hope he could have been.”
The sentencing brings some closure to Malakai’s family, though the tragic loss underscores the devastating consequences of violent retaliation.
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