ROME, GA – Authorities have charged a man and woman in connection with the brutal killing of a Tennessee woman, whose body was discovered wrapped in blankets near an apartment complex in northwest Georgia.

Police responded shortly before noon Tuesday after receiving a report of a body located outside at the intersection of Hull Avenue and Cedar Avenue. When officers arrived at the scene, they identified the victim as Kaylee B. Shackelford, 20, who was from Powell, Tennessee, more than 160 miles northeast of Rome.

Investigators allege that Mystique Malachi Amaziah Taylor, 23, violently attacked Shackelford, who was his girlfriend, fatally stabbing her multiple times before striking her with a baseball bat. Authorities say that after the attack, Taylor covered her body with blankets at the scene.

Shortly after Shackelford’s body was found, witnesses provided details about a red vehicle seen leaving the area. This information was instrumental in tracking the suspects. The car was located roughly 20 miles away in Bartow County, and after a pursuit, law enforcement apprehended Taylor along with 25-year-old Rolanda Monique Edwards.

Detectives say Taylor, originally from outside the Rome area, was in a relationship with Shackelford and had recently begun an online relationship with Edwards. Authorities believe the two suspects left the area together following the crime.

In the days following Taylor’s arrest, the investigation took a deeper turn. On Friday, officials announced an additional charge of feticide against Taylor, after it was determined that Shackelford had been pregnant at the time of her death.

Taylor faces multiple charges including felony murder, aggravated assault, feticide, and concealing the death of another. Edwards, meanwhile, is accused of participating in the crimes, aiding in concealing the death, and hindering police efforts to capture Taylor.

During a preliminary hearing on the case, a judge indicated the severity of the attack, describing wounds to Shackelford’s neck, chest, and face, as well as blunt force injuries to her head.

While the motive for the killing has not been disclosed, police clarified that neither Taylor nor Shackelford were local residents. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the case as both suspects remain in custody.

Taylor is being held without bond as he awaits further court proceedings, while Edwards’ bond has been set at $5,000. The case remains ongoing as detectives work to uncover additional details.