After almost 2 years of court struggle and a non-verdict, Khalil Ogilvie had been charged with the first-degree murder of 22-year-old, Makayla Bryant.
Two years following the fatal shooting of 22-year-old FAMU grad Makayla Bryant, a jury sentenced Khalil Ogilvie to two decades behind bars.
A jury convicted Ogilvie on manslaughter charges after prosecutors originally brought forth first-degree murder charges. Prosecutors alleged back in January of 2022 that Ogilvie shot Bryant after a failed drug exchange.
Friends of Bryant say the sentencing lamented the future freedoms Ogilvie would have due to him being eligible for release.
“Justice for me, her family and friends, and anyone who truly knew MK[Makayla] would be getting MK back,” stated Courtlyn Patrick, a friend and line sister of Makayla. “Her murderer will one day be able to live his life freely, his family will be able to give him hugs and kisses and celebrate birthdays.”
Patrick says that the sentencing, however, can be one more step towards healing.
“No amount of time will be considered justice, but I believe this begins the healing process for a lot of us.”
Makayla Bryant was originally from Chicago, Illinois. While attending FAMU, she studied psychology and was heavily involved in the FAMU campus life.
She served as treasurer for Phi Sigma Theta, an honor society, and as the membership chair for SISTHUS Inc. She graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
Bryant led the FAMU Cheer team as a caption during the 2019-2020 academic year. Under her leadership, the FAMU Cheer team won awards at the National Cheerleading Association camps held over the summer.
Bryant also won a FANG award for best individual team coach team award for coaching both football and competition cheer. Bryant gave back to the community through cheer as well, often cheering alongside junior cheerleaders at football games.
Bryant was also a member of the Beta Alpha chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., crossing in the Spring of 2019.
“It was like heaven on earth calling MK my line sister, and even more of a privilege having her be my front,” exclaimed Patrick. “She was a supportive sister, a loyal sister, the bratty little sister we all spoiled, the life of the party always, and the true definition of a ride or die. I must say MK is absolutely an irreplaceable sister.”
One thing about Makayla is that she loved kids. She also found herself helping them in any way possible. From cheerleading to the classroom, children were something she was passionate about.
In a post about Bryant on her sorority’s Instagram page, Bryant was mentioned as completing a summer internship with FAMU DRS, assisting in classroom and behavior management.”
“She made us all feel loved and appreciated and when she was with you, she always made you feel like you were her favorite,” Patrick stated. “She held us accountable when we fell short and made sure everybody was always in good spirits, even when she wasn’t.”
In the Fall of 2022, the Spring 2019 initiates of the Beta Alpha chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. created an annual scholarship in Bryant’s name known as the “Make It Known Why You Love FAMU” scholarship. Applications for the scholarship typically open at the end of the Fall Semester.
Patrick explained that keeping Bryant’s legacy alive is important to her and her sisters.
“No matter the sentence, we are committed to making sure that MK’s legacy lives on forever,” states Patrick. “We love you MK.”