Jeremiah Morris and Shalanda Williams died in fatal Montgomery shooting
Fatal Montgomery shooting death of Jeremiah Morris and Shalanda Williams
Montgomery Police Chief Jim Graboys, alongside the city’s mayor, unveiled the identities of two individuals killed during a mass shooting event that took place on Saturday evening. Further details concerning the ongoing investigation were presented during a Sunday afternoon news conference that lasted for an hour.
Graboys stated that Jeremiah Morris, aged 17, and Shalanda Williams, aged 43, are both understood to be residents of Montgomery. Their lives were tragically taken when gunfire was directed towards a gathering of people. This violent act occurred around 11:30 p.m., in the vicinity of downtown streets Bibb and Commerce.
Besides the two fatalities, twelve additional people sustained gunshot injuries. According to the chief, the count of individuals with life-threatening injuries has increased to five, as reported at noon. Seven others received treatment for non-life-threatening wounds.
Baptist Medical Center South reported at 10 a.m. that seven of the injured were treated at their facility. Among these, three were reported to be in critical condition, two were considered stable, and one was treated and released. The locations of the remaining victims’ treatment remain unknown.
The chief mentioned that a significant portion of the victims are young, specifically noting that half are below the age of 20, with the youngest being 16 years old.
Regarding the motive, Graboys indicated that authorities are still in the process of determining why the shooting occurred. However, investigators suspect the incident began when one person present in the crowd was deliberately targeted.
Adding to the complexity, the chief revealed that some attendees in the crowd, including at least two of the victims, were armed and fired back at the shooters.
Multiple firearms, including those with high-capacity magazines, were used in the attack. Graboys mentioned that the police department has secured some of these weapons as part of their investigation. He emphasized the importance of examining every weapon involved.
“This investigation is our top priority,” Graboys asserted, expressing the department’s determination to identify and apprehend those responsible.
Chief Graboys indicated that numerous individuals connected to the incident have been questioned by investigators. However, it has not been confirmed if any of those interviewed are the suspects. The investigation continues to explore potential motives and gather evidence. At this stage, the police have not released descriptions of any suspects.
The mayor confirmed earlier that police units were present within 50 feet of the scene. Graboys stated that at least five officers were nearby, heard the gunfire, and immediately responded to the location. Additional units from across the city and beyond converged on the area swiftly.
Montgomery police have initiated a large-scale investigation. They are receiving support from various agencies, including the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office, the Alabama Capitol Police, the Alabama Fusion Center, and federal partners such as the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the ATF.
