Jeremiah Morris, Shalonda Williams Obituary, Death – Authorities in Montgomery, Alabama, are investigating a violent incident that left two people dead and twelve others injured late Saturday night in the city’s downtown area. The event, which unfolded near the intersection of Bibb and Commerce streets, involved an exchange of gunfire during what police described as a confrontation in a crowded location.
Montgomery Police Chief James Graboys said officers who were already patrolling downtown heard multiple gunshots around 11:31 p.m. and immediately rushed toward the sound. Upon arrival, they discovered several people who had been injured. In total, 14 individuals were struck by gunfire, including seven under the age of 20.
Two victims—identified as 17-year-old Jeremiah Morris and 43-year-old Shalonda Williams—were pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities said the remaining 12 victims were transported to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. Of those, five were reported to be in critical condition, while seven others sustained injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
Chief Graboys said the initial investigation suggests that the incident began as a targeted dispute involving one of the victims. What started as a confrontation quickly escalated, leading several individuals in the crowd to draw firearms and begin shooting. “This started because one person was targeted, and once the confrontation began, multiple people opened fire,” Graboys explained.
Police recovered multiple weapons from the area, including some with high-capacity magazines. Shell casings from several different calibers were also found, indicating that multiple firearms were used during the exchange. Investigators believe at least two of the victims were armed, though it remains unclear who fired first or how many people discharged weapons during the chaos.
Several law enforcement agencies—including the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the U.S. Marshals Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office—are assisting Montgomery Police in the investigation. Detectives are reviewing surveillance video, interviewing witnesses, and processing forensic evidence to determine exactly what happened and who may be responsible.
Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed called the event “a tragic and avoidable act,” expressing sorrow for the families affected. He emphasized that the violence was not connected to Alabama State University’s homecoming or any other sanctioned city event. “It only took a few seconds for reckless actions to claim two lives and hurt many more,” Reed said. “This kind of behavior has no place in our city.”
Mayor Reed and Police Chief Graboys announced a combined $50,000 reward for information leading to arrests in the case. The reward fund includes contributions from the mayor’s office, the city council president, and Crime Stoppers. Authorities are urging anyone who was in the area at the time or who has relevant photos, videos, or information to contact Montgomery Police or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
The shooting took place about a block from the Montgomery Ferris Wheel event, a popular downtown attraction that had drawn crowds that evening. Police confirmed that the two incidents were unrelated but acknowledged that the presence of large crowds made the situation especially dangerous.
In the aftermath, city officials have called for unity and renewed efforts to address gun violence and conflict resolution in the community. “This tragedy should remind everyone of how quickly lives can be destroyed by impulsive decisions,” Mayor Reed said. “We must continue working together to create a safer, more peaceful Montgomery.”
As the investigation continues, police are maintaining a visible presence in the downtown area to reassure residents and prevent further disturbances. Chief Graboys emphasized that the case remains a top priority for local and federal investigators and that additional details will be released once more information is verified.
Authorities say their focus now is identifying everyone involved, understanding the sequence of events that led to the shooting, and ensuring that justice is served for the victims and their families.
