In a story that takes more shocking twists and turns than a Hollywood movie, a 36-year-old woman from Flint, Michigan, is accused of driving the getaway car after her 16-year-old boyfriend fired shots at her daughter’s 16-year-old boyfriend.
There’s a lot to unpack, but under Michigan law, the age gap between the woman and the gunman is the least of her worries.
According to police and local news outlets reporting on the ongoing investigation, the woman has been identified as Kaila E. Partlo, a resident of Flint. Partlo, who has now been formally charged, is expected to appear in court in January 2026.
Authorities allege that on October 27, 2025, Partlo and her teenage boyfriend drove from Flint toward Saginaw County, picking up her own daughter’s 16-year-old boyfriend along the way.
The trip, investigators say, ended in an attempted shooting of the other teen boy under circumstances that remain under active review by law enforcement.
Michigan authorities say Partlo was reportedly unhappy with how the victim was treating her daughter, leading to the confrontation in Buena Vista Township.
According to accounts circulating online and being shared by police sources, the teen boyfriend exited the vehicle and, while near Irving Park Boulevard, allegedly fired at least one shot in the direction of the victim’s head. Thankfully, the boy was not struck, as he fell to the ground and the shot or shots missed.
Partlo and her boyfriend fled the scene
After shots were fired, authorities allege Partlo and her 16-year-old boyfriend immediately fled the scene, leaving the victim on foot with his brand-new iPhone 16 still in Partlo’s vehicle. In a panic, the teen reportedly sought help from a nearby resident who called 911.
Using phone-tracking data and Flock camera footage, police were later able to trace the vehicle back to Partlo’s home in Flint. Investigators reportedly recovered the victim’s smashed phone near a curb on Robinwood Avenue.
A 9mm handgun believed to be used in the attempted shooting was found in a safe inside Partlo’s home. Police reports allege Partlo purchased the weapon in 2020 but never registered it, which could lead to additional charges related to illegal firearm possession.
The two teenage boys in the case are both 16 years old and have not been identified in the press because of their age. Authorities have not publicly disclosed whether either teen will face charges in this matter, and the investigation remains ongoing.
But what about the age difference?
Apparently, though, Partlo won’t face charges for dating a 16-year-old because under Michigan law, the age of consent for sexual activity is 16, meaning individuals 16 and older can legally engage in consensual sexual relationships with other minors or adults in many instances.
There are important exceptions if the older person is in a position of authority over the younger person, which can make otherwise consensual conduct illegal. There is no indication, however, that Partlo’s boyfriend held an authority role over his victim beyond their personal relationships.
As of December 2025, Partlo has been charged with being the getaway driver in the attempted shooting and related offenses, though detailed court filings and official charge sheets are not fully available in public reporting. Law enforcement has indicated the case remains under investigation, and additional charges — possibly relating to firearm possession or child endangerment — could be forthcoming as prosecutors review evidence.
Published: Dec 22, 2025 12:58 pm