Fact check: Ma'Khia Bryant did not approach police officers at the scene before shooting Bayliss Wagner, USA TODAY Replay Video The claim: Ma’Khia Bryant was shot after approaching officer to explain her situation It’s been almost three days since police shot and killed 16-year-old Ma’Khia Bryant in Columbus, Ohio, on April 20. In that span of time, we have seen Bryant’s early and violent death cause protest, mourning and continued debate over police violence against Black Americans. While police conduct their investigation and many details remain unclear, misinformation about the incident has circulated widely on social media.