Myquan Deontae Rogers, 34, whose case has gripped the Kalamazoo community, was scheduled for sentencing on July 21, 2025, following his no-contest plea to charges stemming from a 2022 shooting that claimed the lives of 22-year-old Western Michigan University student Naya Reynolds and an unborn child. However, the sentencing hearing was postponed to Monday, July 28, 2025, due to the defense attorney’s lack of preparedness, as stated by the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor’s Office.
The incident, which unfolded on August 26, 2022, at the Oakland Drive entrance ramp to I-94 in Portage, Michigan, left an indelible mark on the community. Rogers, then 31, allegedly used a stolen AR-15 to fire multiple shots at a Dodge Durango driven by Naya Reynolds’ father, Christopher Reynolds. The vehicle carried Naya, 35-year-old Zahkia Bryant, who was 13 weeks pregnant, and Bryant’s 18-month-old child. Naya Reynolds was fatally shot eight times, and the unborn child carried by Bryant also died. Bryant and her toddler were injured but survived. The shooting stemmed from a high-speed chase, during which Rogers reportedly held his ex-girlfriend, Andrea Lenzia, at gunpoint, forcing her to pursue the Durango.
Rogers’ no-contest plea on April 25, 2025, to charges including second-degree murder, assault with intent to murder, felony firearm, and discharge of a firearm from a vehicle, marked a significant step toward resolution. The plea, which does not admit guilt but accepts conviction, carries a sentencing agreement ensuring Rogers will serve at least 26 years and 3 months in prison. This agreement offers a measure of closure for Reynolds’ family, who have endured profound grief since the tragedy.
The scheduled July 21 sentencing was anticipated to finalize Rogers’ penalty, with both sides prepared to argue the appropriate consequences for his actions. However, the prosecutor’s office reported that the defense attorney’s unreadiness necessitated the delay. While specific reasons for the lack of preparation were not disclosed, such postponements often arise in complex cases to allow legal teams time to compile evidence, consult with their client, or refine their arguments. The Kalamazoo County Prosecutor’s Office reiterated its dedication to a fair and thorough judicial process, acknowledging the frustration caused by the delay.
The rescheduled sentencing on July 28, 2025, will see the court weigh critical factors, including the devastating impact on the victims’ families, Rogers’ criminal history, and the circumstances of the crime. The case has drawn significant attention due to its tragic toll—Naya Reynolds, a vibrant young woman, and an unborn child lost to an act of violence. Community members, alongside Reynolds’ mother, Maya Davis, have voiced their resolve to see justice served, with Davis expressing disappointment over the delay but determination to continue seeking closure.
The tragedy has sparked broader conversations about gun violence and its far-reaching consequences. Naya Reynolds’ death, coupled with the loss of the unborn child and the injuries sustained by Bryant and her toddler, has left a lasting impact on Kalamazoo. Community advocates and loved ones continue to honor Reynolds’ memory, with efforts like the “Stuff the Truck” toy drive held by her family to celebrate her life and legacy.
As the new sentencing date approaches, the community remains vigilant, hoping the court’s decision will reflect the gravity of the crime and provide a step toward healing. The judicial outcome will not only close this chapter of a prolonged legal process but also stand as a response to a heartrending loss that has shaken Kalamazoo.
Further updates will follow the rescheduled sentencing hearing on July 28, 2025, as the community awaits the court’s final ruling.
