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.
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.