Shalanda Williams, Jeremiah Morris Obituary, Death Cause – Authorities in Montgomery, Alabama, are investigating a major incident that took place in the city’s downtown entertainment area late Saturday night, leaving two people dead and twelve others injured. The event unfolded in a busy nightlife district shortly after the conclusion of the Tuskegee University–Morehouse College football game, drawing a large crowd to the area.
According to the Montgomery Police Department, the two individuals who lost their lives have been identified as 43-year-old Shalanda Williams and 17-year-old Jeremiah Morris. Five others remain in the hospital with serious injuries, including a young person under the age of 18. Police said that, as of Sunday afternoon, no arrests had been made, and investigators continue to appeal to the public for information that could help identify those involved.
Authorities say that several people were involved in the exchange, and investigators are still trying to determine what triggered it and who fired the first shots. The chaotic scene has required extensive work from officers and detectives, who are reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and examining evidence collected from the area.
Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed addressed the incident during a Sunday news conference, calling it “a heartbreaking and unacceptable act of violence” that deeply affects the community. He vowed that city officials and law enforcement will pursue everyone involved — not only those who directly participated but also anyone who might have played a role or had prior knowledge of the confrontation. “We will not stop until those responsible are held accountable,” Reed said.
Montgomery Police Chief James Graboys described the event as a large-scale shooting incident that broke out near several major landmarks, including the Hank Williams Museum, the Rosa Parks Museum, and the Alabama Statehouse — all within a short distance of officers already patrolling the area. Police were alerted around 11:30 p.m. when reports of gunfire were received.
According to Chief Graboys, the violence began when one individual in the crowd was targeted, prompting others nearby to draw their own weapons and return fire. The result was a dangerous exchange that left multiple bystanders caught in the crossfire. “This was essentially two groups involved in a confrontation that escalated in the middle of a crowd,” Graboys said, noting that those responsible showed little concern for the safety of others.
Investigators said that multiple firearms and a significant number of shell casings were recovered from the scene. Of the 14 total victims, seven were under the age of 20, with the youngest being 16 years old. At least two of the injured individuals were found to be armed at the time of the incident.
Authorities emphasized that the location was especially busy that evening, with several major events occurring across Montgomery, including Alabama State University’s homecoming football game at Hornet Stadium, the Alabama National Fair at Garrett Coliseum, and the nearby Tuskegee–Morehouse matchup at Cramton Bowl.
Chief Graboys noted that officers were already within about 50 feet of the area when the gunfire began. Their quick response helped save lives, including one officer who personally transported an injured person to the hospital before an ambulance could arrive.
City officials are urging anyone with video footage or firsthand knowledge of the incident to contact law enforcement immediately. They stressed that community cooperation is crucial in helping detectives piece together exactly what happened.
Mayor Reed reiterated the city’s commitment to addressing gun-related violence through stronger enforcement, youth engagement programs, and collaboration with community leaders. He expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and to everyone affected by the tragedy.
“This is not the kind of event we ever want to see in our city,” Reed said. “We will continue working tirelessly to make sure Montgomery remains a safe place for everyone.”
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities say more information will be released once they have a clearer understanding of the events that led to Saturday night’s deadly exchange.
