DATE: March 6, 2023

CASE: Lais Hands (Case #20FE016389)

PROSECUTOR: Principal Criminal Attorney Kristen Andersen, Homicide Unit

Lais Hands was convicted by a jury of murder with a personal use of a firearm causing death allegation found true.  Hands was also convicted of attempted murder with a personal use of a firearm causing great bodily injury allegation found true, two counts of assault with a semi-automatic weapon with personal use of a firearm allegations found true and felon in possession of a firearm.

On the afternoon of October 3, 2020, Lais Hands drove to Mama Marks Park.  Hands got out of his car and fired a 9mm semi-automatic handgun nine times at the park.  A second shooter was seated directly behind Hands. That unidentified shooter remained in the car as he shot at the park two times with a .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun. Hands was intending to kill a rival gang member, but instead shot and instantly killed 9-year-old Makaylah. Three other people at the park were injured but survived, including a 7-year-old child.

An allegation that Hands has a prior strike conviction for assault with a semi-automatic firearm will be determined at the sentencing hearing.

Hands faces a maximum sentence of 144 years and 4 months to life in prison.  Sentencing is set for May 5, 2023, at 1:30 p.m. in Department 12 before the Honorable Maryanne Gilliard.