Crime
23-year-old Bobby Lucas killed during large Pike County party shooting
PIKE COUNTY, Ala. — Authorities are investigating a deadly shooting that occurred early Sunday morning during a large private party attended by several hundred people in Pike County.
The victim has been identified as 23-year-old Bobby Lee David Mircle Lucas, a resident of Dothan, according to the Pike County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded to reports of gunfire just before 12:30 a.m. Sunday at a private event venue known as Hideaways, located on Gardner Bassett Road.
Sheriff Russell Thomas said that between 300 and 350 people were inside the venue when shots were fired. “We knew there was a huge party being planned,” Thomas said. “It was well advertised. We had seen the flyers, and we were very concerned. Unfortunately, what we feared might happen did.”
Lucas reportedly attempted to escape the gunfire and made it to the front door before collapsing.
He was pronounced deceased a short time later.
Two deputies who were patrolling nearby arrived on the scene almost immediately after shots were fired. “Once the shooting started, it was a mass exodus,” Thomas explained. “Everyone got in their cars and left.”
Investigators remained at the location until approximately 6 a.m., processing evidence and interviewing witnesses.
As of Monday, no arrests have been made, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Sheriff Thomas noted that because the event center is privately owned, its operators are not required to hold a business or liquor license.
He said the individuals organizing the party were from Birmingham, and attendees had traveled from across central and southern Alabama, including Montgomery, Mobile, and Dothan.
“It’s a really tough situation,” Thomas said. “It’s tragic to see a young man lose his life over something that could have been prevented. When you mix alcohol, marijuana, and large groups of young people, it’s a recipe for disaster.”
The sheriff called for state legislation to regulate private event venues, noting that similar incidents have occurred elsewhere in Alabama. “We need the legislature to step in because these things are happening all over the state,” he said.
Anyone with information related to the shooting is urged to contact Pike County Sheriff’s Office detectives at 334-566-4347.
CHESTER COUNTY, Pa. — What was meant to be a night of celebration turned into tragedy when gunfire erupted during Homecoming festivities at Lincoln University, one of the nation’s oldest Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The Saturday evening shooting left one person dead and six others injured, casting a shadow over what was supposed to be a weekend of pride and unity.
Officials have identified the deceased victim as 25-year-old Jujuan Jeffers of Wilmington, Delaware, who suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head. Authorities confirmed that all six surviving victims—aged between 20 and 25 years old—are expected to recover.
In a Sunday afternoon update, officials named 21-year-old Zecqueous Morgan-Thompson as one of the suspects involved in the shooting.
He is currently being held at the Chester County Prison on $25,000 bail, charged with carrying a firearm without a license, according to court documents.
Authorities emphasized that current evidence does not suggest the suspects attended the event with the intent to carry out a mass shooting.
Instead, investigators believe the violence stemmed from a dispute or altercation that escalated into gunfire.
The shooting occurred in the parking lot of the International Cultural Center, where a tailgate celebration was taking place following Lincoln University’s Homecoming football game.
The area was filled with tents, tables, and students celebrating the evening when chaos suddenly erupted.
“We set this out to be a time to celebrate the legacy of Lincoln University, the first Historically Black HBCU,” said University Police Chief Marc Partee. “Devastated. If there was another word to describe that, one more impactful, I would use it — but devastated is a start.”
Lincoln University officials have announced that classes will be canceled on Monday, October 27, designating the day as one of “healing and reflection.” Plans for a remembrance event honoring Jujuan Jeffers are underway.
Chester County Detectives are leading the investigation, with assistance from the FBI and Pennsylvania State Police.
Authorities strongly believe multiple shooters were involved.
K-9 units are assisting in evidence collection, and forensic teams are processing what remains a large and active crime scene.
Investigators are conducting witness interviews and reviewing extensive surveillance and cellphone video footage.
Anyone with video evidence, no matter how minor it may seem, is urged to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI to receive a secure upload link for submission.
The Chester County District Attorney’s Office continues to coordinate with local and federal partners to piece together the sequence of events and determine all parties involved.
Officials have assured the community that the investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional verified updates will be released as they become available.