The Rome Police Department has released additional information regarding the ongoing homicide investigation involving victim Kaylee B. Shackelford. Police said that they have charged Mystique Malachi Amaziah Taylor with feticide, in addition to previously announced charges.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation, and additional charges may be forthcoming as evidence continues to be reviewed. Out of respect for the victim and her family, no further details will be released at this time. The Rome Police Department remains committed to a thorough and transparent investigation and asks the public to rely only on verified information released through official channels.

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The Rome Police Department worked diligently throughout the day investigating a homicide discovered around noon in the John Graham Homes area near Hull Avenue and Cedar Avenue. Witnesses reported seeing a red passenger vehicle in the area immediately prior to the discovery of the body of a female which had been covered with blankets.

That vehicle was later located and stopped in Bartow County with the assistance of partnering agencies. Multiple neighbors and witnesses have been interviewed as part of this active and ongoing investigation.

Rolanda Monique Edwards, 25 of Rome, is charged with concealing the death of another, party to a crime and hindering the apprehension of a criminal.

Mystique Malachi Amaziah Taylor, 23 of Atlanta, is charged with murder, aggravated battery, theft by receiving stolen property, eluding police, aggravated assault, concealing the death of another, 2nd degree criminal damage to property, simple battery, failure to obey traffic control devices, speeding and reckless driving.

Reports said that Taylor stabbed the victim in the neck and face with a knife before using a baseball bat to beat the victim in the head.

The victim has been identified as Kaylee B. Shackelford, 20, of Powell, Tennessee, after next-of-kin notification was completed. Preliminary investigation indicates that Shackelford and Mystique Malachi Amaziah Taylor were in a relationship, and Taylor had also begun an online relationship with Rolanda Monique Edwards.

As previously reported, witnesses observed a red passenger vehicle in the area prior to the discovery of the victim, who had been covered with blankets. That vehicle was later located and stopped in Bartow County with the assistance of multiple law enforcement agencies. Taylor (23) and Edwards (25) remain in custody without bond on multiple felony charges related to this case.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation, and additional charges may follow.

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The Rome Police Department was dispatched to the area of John Graham Holmes near Hull and Cedar Avenues.

Authorities said that a body was discovered wrapped in blankets outside the homes on Tuesday morning.

Police stated that it appears this was an isolated incident and that there is no ongoing threat to the public.

Update:

Police have idenfied the deceased person as a female.

Preliminary findings suggest that the woman is not a resident of the complex.

The woman’s body was found by a pest control worker along with property management.

Witnesses suggested that a red passenger car was in the area prior to the blankets being seen. It was later found and stopped across the Floyd/Bartow County line. The occupants were questioned, and the car will be returned for possible evidence in the case.