Homicide update: Two in custody

Wednesday, December 10, 2025–10:45 a.m.

-Staff reports-

More information has been released concerning the death of a woman whose body was located, wrapped in blankets, in the area of John Graham Homes in East Rome on Tuesday.

According to an arrest warrant:

23-year-old Mystique Malachi Amaziah Taylor of Atlanta stabbed the victim in the head, neck, and face.

He also struck the victim with a baseball bat.

Taylor then fled from police in a stolen vehicle on Highway 411 at speeds of more than 100 miles per hour.

He is charged with felony murder, concealing the death of another, fleeing or attempting to elude, aggravated battery, aggravated assault, theft by receiving stolen property, theft by taking, criminal damage to property, battery, failure to obey a traffic control device, speeding, and reckless driving.

25-year-old Rolanda Monique Edwards of Rome is accused of assisting Taylor in removing the victim’s body from the apartment, which was the crime scene, in an attempt to conceal the death.

She is charged with concealing the death of another, hindering the apprehension or punishment of a criminal, and party to a crime.

From Rome Police:

The Rome Police Department continues its investigation into the homicide discovered in the John Graham Homes area near Hull Avenue and Cedar Avenue.

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.

At this time, investigators confirm that neither Taylor nor the victim is from Rome or Floyd County.

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.

There is no known threat to the community at this time.

The Rome Police Department extends sincere appreciation to Floyd County E-911, Floyd County Police Department, Floyd County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia State Patrol, and the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office for their rapid assistance in apprehending the suspects. We are also extremely grateful to cooperating witnesses who have played a key role in this investigation.

Anyone with additional information related to this investigation is urged to contact the Rome Police Department or call 9-1-1. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Homicide update: Two in custody

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