Crime
24-year-old Willie Johnson III killed in Bessemer shooting
BESSEMER, Ala. — A 24-year-old man has died following a Wednesday night shooting in Bessemer, which authorities are now investigating as a homicide.
The victim, identified as Willie James Johnson III, of Hueytown, was shot in the 1800 block of Clarendon Avenue around 10 p.m., according to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office.
He was transported to UAB Medical West, where he was later pronounced dead.
The Bessemer Police Department has launched a homicide investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting. At this time, no suspects have been publicly identified, and no arrests have been announced.
Details about what led to the shooting have not yet been released. Authorities have not said whether the incident appeared to be targeted or random.
This is an ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Bessemer Police Department or Crime Stoppers.
Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Authorities have released a significant update regarding the AMBER Alert issued in Austin, Texas.
Law enforcement officials confirm that the suspect connected to the case has been located, and the red 2017 Ford Mustang believed to have been involved has been recovered.
However, 12-year-old Jazzlyn Anzora remains missing.
Officials emphasize that the search for the child is ongoing and that she may still be in danger.
Missing Juvenile Information
Name: Jazzlyn Anzora
Age: 12
Height: 5 feet 3 inches
Weight: 140 pounds
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown
Jazzlyn was last seen around 12:00 a.m. on February 24 in the 1700 block of Wells Branch Parkway in North Austin.
At the time she was last seen, she was reportedly wearing:
- A red sweater
- A white long-sleeve shirt
- Christmas-themed pants
- Carrying a Nike backpack
Suspect Information
Authorities previously identified the suspect as 18-year-old Henry Mejia.
Description:
- Black hair
- Brown eyes
- Approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall
- Approximately 170 pounds
- Distinct shaved line on one eyebrow
Officials have confirmed that the suspect has now been located.
Further details regarding his status have not yet been released.
Vehicle Information (Recovered)
The vehicle believed to be associated with the case has been recovered.
Make: Ford
Model: Mustang
Year: 2017
Color: Red
License Plate: VVK2712 (Texas)
Additional Identifiers: Aftermarket chrome wheels and a white logo sticker on the passenger-side window
Ongoing Search Efforts
The AMBER Alert was issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety following Jazzlyn’s disappearance.
The Travis County Sheriff’s Office continues to lead the investigation and coordinate search efforts.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any information that could assist in locating the child safely.
How to Report Information
Anyone with information regarding Jazzlyn Anzora’s whereabouts is urged to:
- Call 911 immediately if there is an immediate sighting
- Contact the Travis County Sheriff’s Office at 512-974-0845 (Option 3)
Officials stress that locating the missing child safely remains the top priority.