Crime
Bessemer Police Arrest Suspect in Random Birmingham Road Rage Shootings
Bessemer, AL – February 13, 2025 – The Bessemer Police Department has arrested a violent suspect following multiple road rage shooting incidents in eastern Birmingham.
Authorities say the suspect, identified as Demario Ladell Keith, had been randomly opening fire on motorists while driving a black Nissan Maxima.
The Birmingham Police Department (BPD) began investigating multiple social media reports regarding a suspect firing at vehicles in various locations across eastern Birmingham.
As part of their efforts, detectives were able to identify and locate the suspect’s vehicle.
At approximately 4:30 p.m., BPD detectives spotted the black Nissan Maxima in the parking lot of Walmart in Bessemer.
Recognizing the need for immediate backup, they contacted the Bessemer Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department for assistance.
When officers arrived on the scene, the suspect attempted to flee, leading authorities on a short vehicle pursuit before abandoning his car and fleeing on foot.
A large-scale search operation was quickly launched, with multiple law enforcement agencies from Bessemer, Birmingham, Jefferson County, Hoover, and Fairfield collaborating to establish a secure perimeter around the area.
Keith was ultimately apprehended and taken into custody without further incident.
Authorities confirm that Keith was armed at the time of his arrest. He now faces a series of serious charges, including:
- Multiple counts of drug trafficking
- Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person
- Felony attempt to elude law enforcement
- Additional drug-related offenses
Bessemer Police urge anyone with additional information related to this case to contact their Criminal Investigations Division at (205) 481-4366 or Bessemer Police at (205) 425-2411. Anonymous tips can also be submitted via the Bessemer Police tip line at (205) 428-3541.
Authorities continue to investigate the extent of Keith’s involvement in the series of road rage shootings, as well as any additional crimes he may have committed prior to his arrest.
TAUNTON, Mass. — One person was killed and seven others were injured in an overnight shooting at a house party in Taunton, Massachusetts, authorities said.
The shooting happened at approximately 12:35 a.m. Sunday at a residence in the 261 Weir Street area. Taunton police officers responded after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting gunshots.
When officers arrived, they found several people suffering from gunshot wounds. Investigators were also informed that additional victims had already been transported to area hospitals for medical treatment.
Authorities ultimately identified eight shooting victims, all of whom were reportedly in their early 20s.
One of the victims, 22-year-old Zirovick Depina of Brockton, was pronounced dead early Sunday morning, according to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
Of the seven surviving victims, one remains in serious but stable condition, while the others suffered injuries that were considered non-life-threatening. Their identities have not been publicly released.
The shooting occurred during a gathering at the residence. Images from the scene showed a tent and tables in the yard, along with white balloons and what appeared to be a photo backdrop near a garage.
A neighbor told authorities that large gatherings and loud parties had reportedly been common at the residence.
The home is located about a mile from the Taunton Police Department headquarters. The neighbor expressed concern about the shooting occurring in the area, particularly given the late-night activity.
The investigation is being conducted by Taunton Police, Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office, and other investigative units. Detectives are working to determine what led to the gunfire and identify those responsible.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Taunton police or investigators with the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional information is expected as authorities continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.