Man Convicted in Deadly Alabama Drive-By Shooting of 9-Year-Old Girl

Darius Lucky Jr. faces life without parole for the 2023 killing of Cailee Knight.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:11am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a spent bullet casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the physical evidence from a deadly drive-by shooting.The physical evidence from a deadly drive-by shooting serves as a stark reminder of the tragic loss of an innocent life.Mobile Today

A Mobile, Alabama man named Darius Lucky Jr. has been convicted of capital murder for his role in the 2023 drive-by shooting that killed 9-year-old Cailee Knight while she was sleeping in her home. Lucky is the first of five defendants to be tried in the case, which prosecutors have described as an act of "pure, avoidable evil."

Why it matters

The tragic death of Cailee Knight, an innocent child killed in her own home, has sparked outrage in the Mobile community and renewed calls for stricter gun laws and better strategies to address gun violence and protect vulnerable residents, especially children.

The details

According to prosecutors, Cailee's older brother was the intended target of the drive-by shooting, but the 9-year-old girl was fatally struck while asleep. Two of the other defendants, Amia Bantz and Ricki Thier, have already pleaded guilty to lesser charges and agreed to testify against Lucky, identifying him as the shooter. The remaining defendants, Arieal Curry and Tyrone Williams, are still awaiting trial on capital murder charges.

  • The shooting occurred on December 5, 2023.
  • Darius Lucky Jr. was convicted on April 10, 2026.
  • Lucky's sentencing is set for May 21, 2026.

The players

Darius Lucky Jr.

A Mobile, Alabama man who was convicted of capital murder for his role in the 2023 drive-by shooting that killed 9-year-old Cailee Knight.

Cailee Knight

A 9-year-old girl who was fatally shot while sleeping in her home during the 2023 drive-by incident.

Keith Blackwood

The Mobile County District Attorney who described the crime as an act of "pure, avoidable evil" and said the conviction sends a clear message that such violence will be relentlessly pursued in the community.

Amia Bantz

One of the five defendants in the case who has pleaded guilty to lesser charges and agreed to testify against Darius Lucky Jr.

Ricki Thier

One of the five defendants in the case who has pleaded guilty to lesser charges and agreed to testify against Darius Lucky Jr.

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What they’re saying

“This was not just a crime, it was an act of pure, avoidable evil that stole the life of a child who should still be here today.”

— Keith Blackwood, Mobile County District Attorney

What’s next

Lucky's sentencing is set for May 21, 2026, where he will face life without the possibility of parole due to his convictions.

The takeaway

The tragic death of Cailee Knight has devastated the Mobile community and highlighted the urgent need for stronger measures to address gun violence and protect innocent lives, especially those of children. This case serves as a sobering reminder of the devastating consequences of such senseless acts of violence.