Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond and Mayor Randall Woodfin held a Sunday afternoon press conference to address the investigations of two ‘targeted’ shootings that left seven people dead and ten injured Saturday night.
“These shootings were targeted,” said Thurmond. “These were not random shootings.” Thurmond and Woodfin were joined by members of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Attorney’s Office, U.S. Marshal Service, Secret Service, FBI and several community partners.
We have partnered with all of these men and women here today to combat this issue, to combat what has occurred in the last 24 hours and to let everyone know this is unacceptable and we will not tolerate this behavior any longer in our city,” said Thurmond.
“There are too many families who have been devastated and destroyed because of gun violence in our city,” he continued. “And everyone in this room, to be frank, is just sick and tired of it.”
“For those who are responsible for those heinous crimes, I want you to know that we will be coming for you with full force, with every piece of law enforcement that we have.”
Mayor Woodfin called for ‘swift justice’ during the press conference, pleading with the public to offer assistance. “They [police] have one priority right now, and that is simply to hunt down the people who committed these heinous acts in two separate incidents,” said Woodfin. “It has been stated, but is worth repeating, that these victims, as well as their family members, (who) will have to pick up the pieces, deserve swift justice, swift justice.”
“I would say the shooter or the shooters deserve no safe harbor or haven from other community members,” he continued. “They don’t deserve it from their own families, their friends or strangers. No one should provide a safe haven or harbor to the people who committed these acts.
Here’s what we know so far about both shootings:
First Shooting
Around 5:20 p.m., police responded to a call about a car accident in the 1700 block of Indian Summer Drive, according to the Birmingham Police Department. That’s just off Pinson Valley Parkway, near the entrance of Echo Highlands Park.
Upon arrival, officers found a wrecked vehicle in the front yard of a home. Inside they found the bodies of three people:
- Landon Brooks, 5, of Center Point
- Arkia Berry, 28, of Center Point
- Eric Ashley Jr, 28, Hoover
Police say that Brooks was Berry’s son and that Ashley may have been her boyfriend. No one is in custody at this time.
Second Shooting
Just after 11 p.m., officers responded to reports of multiple people shot at what officers originally described as a night club, now referred to as an event center, in the 3400 Block of 27th Street North, according to the Birmingham Police Department.
Officers arriving at the scene immediately observed the body of Stevie McGhee, a 39-year-old Birmingham man, on the sidewalk outside of the club.
Inside, officers found multiple gunshot victims, two of which were pronounced dead at the scene:
- Markeisha Gettings, 39, of Birmingham
- Angela Weatherspoon, 56, of Center Point
Police say 11 additional victims arrived at UAB Hospital throughout the evening, one of which died from their injuries:
- Lerandus Anderson, 24, of Center Point
The conditions of the other ten victims range from stable to critical.
So far, police believe that a birthday party was being held inside when an altercation occurred, after which someone drove by outside and opened fire into the club. While police say the shooting was targeted, they have not confirmed which of the victims were the intended targets. No one is in custody at this time.
On Sunday morning, Birmingham Police released the following statement in regards to both shootings:
“The Birmingham Police Department stands with our community in this time of grief and loss as we have witnessed senseless acts of violence in the City of Birmingham. Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and everyone affected.
“In the face of such tragedy, we remain resolute in our mission to ensure justice for the victims. We are working tirelessly to apprehend those responsible and bring them to justice. The Birmingham Police Department is dedicated to protecting our community and restoring a sense of safety and security.
“Your support and cooperation are essential in our efforts to create a safer Birmingham. If you have any information that can assist in our investigations, please come forward. Together, we will make a difference.” Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin issued another statement via social media:
“A lot of innocent people were shot and killed yesterday. Many others wounded. “The Birmingham Police Department and our federal partners have one priority right now: hunt these @#$% down who committed these heinous acts. We need swift justice for the victims and their families.
“The shooter/shooters deserve no safe harbor from their own family, friends, or strangers. Do not protect them. “BPD’s investigation is better off with credible information from the community that will lead to their capture and arrest.
“There is always someone who knows something. Pick up the phone now and make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at (205) 254-7777.”