Birmingham, September 23, 2025
News Summary
Kaylin Sparks, 24, was found guilty of manslaughter and second-degree assault in the fatal drive-by shooting of Donnika Sills in Birmingham. The jury delivered its verdict after a trial that focused on a fight between two women that escalated. Sparks shot over one of the women, inadvertently killing Sills, who was an innocent bystander. Sparks’ sentencing is set for November 10, drawing attention to gun violence and its tragic impact on the community.
Birmingham – Kaylin Sparks, a 24-year-old woman, was convicted in connection with a deadly drive-by shooting in Birmingham that occurred on November 28, 2021. A Jefferson County jury found Sparks guilty of manslaughter and second-degree assault, following a trial that began on September 15 before Jefferson County Circuit Judge Kandice Pickett. Sparks was originally charged with capital murder for the slaying of 30-year-old Donnika Sills, an innocent bystander who left behind a 2-year-old son at the time of her death.
The conflict that led to the tragic incident reportedly started with a fight between two women, Jasmine Varner and Fredricka Hill. During the confrontation, Varner cut Hill multiple times before Hill ultimately overcame her. Following this altercation, Hill entered Sparks’ vehicle where Sparks, in a moment of aggression, shot over Hill, striking Sills in the head and fatally injuring her. A second victim, Ashley Goldwaithe, was also shot during the incident but survived.
The shooting took place around 3:30 a.m. and was rooted in a dispute that emerged from an incident on Snapchat. During the trial, evidence revealed that after the shooting, Sparks confessed to a male relative that she had “messed up” and possibly shot someone dead. The relative advised her to hand over the keys and the gun for disposal.
Throughout the trial, Deputy District Attorneys Jason Wilson and Varian Shaw represented the prosecution, while Sparks was defended by attorneys Wendell Sheffield and Chris Daniels. Sparks had sought to be tried as a youthful offender, but this request was denied. Following the jury’s decision, Sparks was taken into custody and booked into the Jefferson County Jail.
Sentencing for Sparks is set for November 10, wherein she may face substantial prison time for her convictions. This incident has drawn attention to the broader issues of gun violence and public safety in Birmingham, particularly regarding the impact of reckless behavior on innocent victims.
This case highlights the consequences of impulsive actions within a heated moment leading to tragic outcomes that irreparably alter lives. The community continues to grapple with the effects of this incident, especially as it mourns the loss of Donnika Sills and recognizes the plight of her young son now growing up without his mother.
FAQ
What charges was Kaylin Sparks convicted of?
Kaylin Sparks was convicted of manslaughter and second-degree assault after being charged with capital murder for the slaying of 30-year-old Donnika Sills.
What was the reason behind the shooting?
The shooting occurred after a fight between two women, Jasmine Varner and Fredricka Hill, which escalated and resulted in Sparks shooting over Hill, striking Sills.
Who was the victim of the shooting?
The victim of the shooting was Donnika Sills, a 30-year-old innocent bystander who had a 2-year-old son at the time of her death.
When is Kaylin Sparks’ sentencing scheduled?
Sentencing for Kaylin Sparks is scheduled for November 10.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | November 28, 2021 |
| Convicted Individual | Kaylin Sparks, 24 years old |
| Initial Charges | Capital murder |
| Final Convictions | Manslaughter, second-degree assault |
| Victims | Donnika Sills (deceased), Ashley Goldwaithe (survived) |
| Approximate Time of Shooting | 3:30 a.m. |
| Sentencing Date | November 10 |
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Additional Resources
- AL.com
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence in the United States
- WBRC
- Google Search: Gun Violence Birmingham
- New York Times
- Google Scholar: Gun Violence Prevention Birmingham
- BBC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drive-by Shooting
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
