The McLennan County Grand Jury has indicted a Waco man on a murder charge.

Michael Howard is accused of killing 21-year-old Sakyra Young in August.

Waco Police responded to a shooting August 14th in the 2900 block of McFerrin Ave shortly before 6:20 PM. When the first officers arrived on-scene, they located Young in the street suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. 

The first officer to her performed life saving measures on the female, including CPR. She was soon transported to a local hospital by AMR, who assisted on scene, but ended up succumbing to her injuries. She has been identified as 21 year old Sakyra Young.

Officers were quick to identify the suspect. 20 year old Michael Matthew Howard was arrested and charged with murder along with an unrelated warrant that had been issued by the McLennan County Sheriff’s Office. Michael was found as a passenger in a vehicle that was eventually stopped at the intersection of Gholson Road and E. Lakeshore Drive. He was hiding under a blanket.

Police say this case is believed to be the results of domestic violence because Sakyra and Howard were in a dating relationship at the time.

Friends and family gathered a week later to pay tribute to Young’s life.

Dozens released purple balloons – the color commonly used to bring awareness to domestic violence.

“You know these young men, growing up in this world. I know it’s hard out here, but it doesn’t make any sense for you to have to pick up a gun and take somebody’s life like that – just kill in cold blood like that,” Young said.

Some in the crowd expressed their support after they too experienced pain similar to what the Young family has to endure.

“It just hurts my feelings, man. Too many young people just going away. And I can kind of feel their pain, because I lost my brother when I was only like 19 years old. He was 20,” a supporter said.

Young’s father, though he didn’t have many words, did share what he hopes Waco’s younger community can learn from his daughter’s murder.

“Be sure that you all open your eyes to this situation and definitely don’t take it lightly, and just pay attention,” he said, advising younger people.