Preliminary Hearing Details Confrontation Before Fatal Shooting of Pregnant Mobile Woman

New testimony presented at a preliminary hearing this week has laid out additional details in the case against a 29-year-old Mobile woman accused of fatally shooting a pregnant woman during a confrontation over a $15 deposit for a lash appointment.

Kanedrea Davis appeared in court Thursday in connection with the July 10 shooting death of 23-year-old Chyna Hickman, who was pregnant at the time of her death. Hickman’s family filled the courtroom as the lead detective on the case testified about the events leading up to the shooting.

According to testimony, Davis told police she went to Hickman’s home to retrieve a $15 deposit after Hickman had repeatedly rescheduled a lash appointment. Police received a 911 call from Davis around 8 p.m. that night, during which she reportedly told dispatchers Hickman was being aggressive. About 30 minutes later, a neighbor called 911 to report that two women were arguing and that one had been shot in the chest.

Witnesses testified that Davis pulled up to Hickman’s home and threw a wooden block at her car, after which Hickman came outside carrying a broom. Prosecutors say Davis then pulled out a gun during the confrontation. According to testimony, Hickman put her hands up and asked, “You really gonna shoot me?” before Davis allegedly shot her once in the chest and left the scene. Davis was arrested about an hour later.

Hickman’s mother, Chastity Bell, spoke after the hearing about the toll the case has taken on the family. “No amount of money worth taking a life, taking two lives,” Bell said. “It has been devastating for the entire family. Especially when you have her three-year-old son now asking for mom.” Bell added, “Today it went well. We trust in God. You know, we believe in God, and we know that God works.”

Defense attorney Tom Walsh characterized the confrontation differently in court. “As to what happened there was an altercation that appeared to be aggressive on both sides, so,” Walsh said.

The judge presiding over the hearing found probable cause and sent the case to a grand jury. Davis remains in jail without bond, and prosecutors have not yet decided whether they will seek the death penalty.

What Happens Next

A preliminary hearing determines only whether there is probable cause to believe a crime was committed and that the defendant committed it. With the case bound over, a grand jury will review the evidence and decide whether to return an indictment. Davis is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.