Crime
48-year-old Christopher Keith killed in Sylacauga shooting
SYLACAUGA, Ala. — The Sylacauga Police Department is actively investigating a Sunday night shooting that left one man dead and another injured in what authorities describe as a violent incident involving multiple gunshots.
According to Lt. Willis Whatley, officers responded to the area of East 5th Street near North Louisville Avenue on May 11, 2025, after receiving reports of numerous shots fired.
Upon arrival, officers discovered multiple shell casings scattered in the roadway, confirming that gunfire had occurred.
While processing the initial scene, Central Dispatch notified officers of two individuals reportedly suffering from gunshot wounds nearby on Curran Street.
Responding officers quickly located a vehicle containing both victims.
They immediately rendered aid with assistance from the Talladega County Sheriff’s Office until Sylacauga Ambulance Service arrived.
The victims were transported to Coosa Valley Medical Center for emergency care.
One individual sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was stabilized, while the second victim, later identified as Christopher Cornell Keith, 48, of Childersburg, was transferred to UAB Medical Center in Birmingham in critical condition. Sadly, Keith succumbed to his injuries on Monday, May 12, 2025.
The Sylacauga Police Department and the Talladega County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
At this time, no suspect information has been released, and investigators are working to determine a motive.
Authorities urge anyone with information that could assist in the investigation to contact the Sylacauga Police Department Investigation Division at 256-391-4390, the SPD tip line at 256-249-4716, or Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 1-833-251-7867. Anonymous tips are welcome and may be eligible for a cash reward.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.