McKayla Cheyenne Archambeau: Missouri woman charged with shooting man to death in his yard
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI: A Missouri woman was indicted for the murder of Taylor Hawkins, who was killed on June 27, in the 28000 block of Oberdiek Lane, according to the Platte County Sheriff’s Office. A man was also indicted for minor crimes in connection with the incident.
McKayla Cheyenne Archambeau, a 22-year-old, was indicted on counts of murder in the second degree, armed criminal action, tampering with evidence, and tampering with a motor vehicle. Cordero T Cervantes, 32, was indicted on counts of tampering with evidence and tampering with a motor vehicle.
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Hawkins was shot dead in June. The sheriff's office said they found a “31-year-old white male who had been shot in the yard of the residence,” and had asked the public for help in locating the suspects. The two were alleged to be considered “armed and dangerous.”
The accused fled Missouri after the incident and were arrested in “another state” on July 7, 2022, according to Kansas City-area CBS affiliate KCTV. It has been alleged that McKayla had pulled the trigger and that she and the man “wiped down a vehicle” that belonged to Hawkins before they stole a 2012 Ford Focus.
On Friday, October 28, 2022, grand jurors in Platte County officially charged the accused. The motive behind the murder remains unknown. Whether they knew the victim before also remains unclear.
A GoFundMe has been set up in Hawkins’ honor to help his family, particularly his mother, Celeste Hawkins. Describing Hawkins, the page said, "Taylor, had a heart of gold, loved his friends, loved music and loved his mother more than anyone. Regardless of his personal struggles, he made it a priority to help and support his mom. She recently had foot surgery and is unable to work."
The page added, "I know he would want us to step up to the plate and support her during this time so that she can have the time she needs to recover from this unprecedented circumstance. They both deserve to have a celebration of his life as well as time to figure out how to move on. It’s also a chance for friends that may not have had the opportunity to say goodbye to do so and bring everyone together to honor him."
The page has raised $12,416 out of its $25,000 goal.
According to jail and court records, McKayla has been in custody since July 7, 2022. She was also charged with one count of possessing marijuana or a synthetic cannabinoid.
She was detained on a $250,000 cash bond while Cervantes is being detained on a $25,000 cash bond. According to Kansas City FOX affiliate WDAF, a judge entered a not guilty plea on Archambeau’s behalf in connection with the murder case. The next hearing is scheduled for November 10, 2022 at 9 am.