Crime
26-year-old Johndarius Ward killed after shooting outside Boston Fish Supreme in Birmingham
The suspect opened fire on Ward’s vehicle and then fled the scene.
A tragic shooting incident occurred early Saturday morning in Birmingham, resulting in one fatality and one serious injury.
The shooting took place outside two businesses in the 800 block of Third Avenue West, which had previously been labeled by city officials as a “launching pad for criminal activity.”
The victim, identified as 26-year-old Johndarius Decareious Ward of Birmingham, was found unresponsive inside a vehicle.
He was pronounced dead at the scene by Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service.
Approximately two dozen shell casings were found surrounding Ward’s sedan, which was parked in front of Boston Fish Supreme. Another cluster of shell casings was located near the front door of the Shell station.
According to police investigations, Ward was attempting to leave the parking lot when he was ambushed by the shooter.
The suspect opened fire on Ward’s vehicle and then fled the scene.
While officers were responding to the shooting, they learned that an additional victim had arrived at Princeton Baptist Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.
The injured individual was transferred to UAB Hospital for further treatment.
The Birmingham Police Department is actively investigating the incident and seeking the public’s assistance in identifying and apprehending the suspect.
Crime
24-Year-Old Jose Alfredo Soto Navarrete Jr Dies in Fatal Jeep Incident in Midland, Christian Rojelio Zubia Arrested
MIDLAND, Texas — Jose Alfredo Soto Navarrete Jr., a 24-year-old man from Odessa, died after an incident involving a Jeep Wrangler in Midland on Thursday night, October 8, 2026. The driver, a 30-year-old Odessa man, was later arrested and charged with manslaughter, according to the Midland Police Department.
Police said officers responded at approximately 10:46 p.m. Thursday to a reported crash involving a 2018 Jeep Wrangler and a pedestrian in the 1700 block of Rankin Highway.
During the preliminary investigation, witnesses told authorities that Soto Navarrete had jumped onto the hood of a black Jeep Wrangler. Investigators allege that the driver accelerated while turning southbound, causing Soto Navarrete to fall from the vehicle and sustain fatal injuries.
Authorities identified the driver as Christian Rojelio Zubia, 30, of Odessa.
According to police, Zubia left the scene after the incident. Officers later located him with assistance from the Odessa Police Department.
Zubia was arrested and charged with manslaughter in connection with Soto Navarrete’s death. The charge is an allegation, and the case will proceed through the legal system.
The Midland Police Department is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident, including the events leading up to Soto Navarrete’s fall from the Jeep.
Authorities have not released further details about what prompted the encounter or whether additional charges may be considered.
Police confirmed that Soto Navarrete’s next of kin has been notified of his death.
Soto Navarrete’s death has left his family and loved ones grieving. His passing serves as a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly a dangerous incident can result in a fatal outcome.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information may be released as authorities continue reviewing the case.