Deputies say a confrontation in West Little River turned deadly in broad daylight, and now two women are facing charges in a case that is as disturbing as it is dramatic.
Investigators say 28-year-old Saian Aquila Civil was shot on April 29 near Northwest 22nd Avenue and 90th Street. She was rushed to a trauma center, where she later died, according to detectives. The alleged gunwoman, 44-year-old Nehekia Nicole Holloway, was arrested Friday and booked on second-degree murder and felon-in-possession charges. A second woman is accused of pepper-spraying Civil as she lay wounded on the ground.
What deputies say
According to an arrest report obtained by Local 10, deputies say Holloway drove to the scene with 30-year-old Dekia Best and opened fire around 1:30 p.m. The report states that surveillance video captures Holloway leaving her apartment in a gray hoodie and later returning in a mechanic-style blue uniform and a yellow-and-black cap.
The arrest report goes on to say that, later that night, Holloway was concealed in a Hello Kitty blanket as people escorted her from the building. According to investigators, Holloway admitted traveling to confront Civil but denied firing the weapon. Detectives say she then invoked her right to remain silent after they presented evidence.
Where the suspect is being held
A Miami-Dade judge ordered Holloway held without bond, and records show she is being held at the county's main detention complex. Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, the Miami-Dade intake and detention facility, is located at 7000 NW 41st Street in Miami, according to Miami-Dade County Corrections.
Charges and next steps
Court records and the arrest report show Holloway faces second-degree murder and a felon-in-possession charge. Best, accused of pepper-spraying Civil while she was already wounded, faces a misdemeanor battery charge and was released on a $1,000 bond, according to Local 10.
Under Florida law, second-degree murder is defined in Florida Statute 7782.04, according to the Florida Senate, and is treated as a first-degree felony that can carry a sentence of up to life in prison. Court filings indicate Holloway is expected to remain in custody while prosecutors prepare charging documents, and Best is scheduled for an arraignment hearing on Thursday.
Detectives say the investigation is still active as they interview additional witnesses and review video evidence. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Miami-Dade Sheriffs Office.
