More than a year after a 17-year-old was fatally stabbed by his girlfriend in Miami, his family says justice is stalling.
Yahkeim Lollar, known to friends and family as Keimo, was stabbed to death during an argument with his girlfriend, 17-year-old Jahara Malik, according to investigators, in the garage of their apartment building near Northwest 6th Court and 61st Street on Dec. 20, 2024.
Malik has claimed the stabbing was an accident and has pleaded not guilty to a manslaughter charge.
In the weeks following Lollar’s death, his family and supporters held protests outside the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office, demanding accountability. After the victim’s family called for the arrest, Malik was charged more than a month after the killing.
Now, a year later, the family said little progress has been made in court.
“We’re still fighting for justice,” said Nathalie Jean, Lollar’s mother. “If the shoe was on the other foot, my son would have been in jail.”
The family attorney, Melba Pearson, said the delays have made it difficult for Lollar’s loved ones to heal.
“Nothing has moved in this case,” Pearson said. “The family is more than ready to see justice be served. The defendant is out living her life while Keimo Lollar is not with us, and he should be.”
The family is now calling for a trial date, saying the continued delays are preventing them from properly mourning.
“It’s not like we’re looking for a murderer,” Jean said. “We know who did it. So what is the holdup? What is the issue?”
During a court hearing on Thursday, prosecutors said they are in discussions with Malik’s defense attorneys about possible resolutions to the case without going to trial. Judge Christine Hernandez, however, expressed concern about the potential lack of progress.
“I’m trying to keep things going and figure out what’s happening,” Hernandez said. “I do not want to keep granting continuances when nothing is happening during that time.”
Malik’s attorneys did not appear in court at the most recent hearing. They have previously maintained that the stabbing was accidental. Attempts to reach them for comment were unsuccessful.
As the case remains unresolved, Lollar’s family said they will continue pressing for action and a trial date they believe is long overdue.
As for potential resolutions to this case, Lollar’s family demands the maximum punishment.
