Woman Found Guilty of Fatally Stabbing Sister With 11-Inch Kitchen Knife

Kiara Gaines (L) and Tessa Gaines

A Milwaukee woman, Kiara Gaines, has been found guilty of 2nd-degree reckless homicide for the fatal stabbing of her sister, Tessa Gaines, during a domestic altercation on April 26, 2023.

The jury delivered the verdict on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, concluding a tragic case that has left the community in shock.

Kiara Gaines, 35, was convicted for using a dangerous weapon in the incident, which occurred near 45th and Hadley.

She is set to face sentencing on Oct. 16 and could receive up to 25 years in prison, which includes 15 years of incarceration and 10 years of extended supervision. Additionally, she may be subjected to a $100,000 fine.

According to prosecutors, the two sisters had lived together for about two months prior to the incident, during which they had reportedly been “feuding.”

On the day of the stabbing, a family member stated that Tessa arrived at the home and began arguing with another relative on the porch.

It was during this confrontation that Kiara allegedly opened the door and immediately stabbed Tessa with an eight-inch kitchen knife.

Arthur Thexton, the prosecutor in the case, detailed the violent nature of the incident, noting that police found Kiara emerging from the home holding the bloodied weapon. A witness corroborated the account, revealing the events leading up to the fatal altercation.

During her initial court appearance on May 1, 2023, Kiara appeared distressed, wearing a suicide prevention vest as her defense attorney requested a lower bail amount of $2,500.

The public defender highlighted Kiara’s struggle with postpartum depression and her intentions to seek mental health treatment, stating:

“It’s a very difficult struggle… she was supposed to check herself in the day after.”

The judge acknowledged the gravity of the charges, labeling the incident a violent offense with significant implications for public safety.