Crime
19-Year-Old Dreshawn Thomas Killed in Shooting Near Legion Field After Magic City Classic in Birmingham
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A shooting near Legion Field following the Magic City Classic left one person dead and eight others injured Saturday night, October 31, 2026. Police identified the person killed as Dreshawn Thomas.
Officers responded at approximately 7:50 p.m. to reports of gunfire near the 400 block of Graymont Avenue West, close to Legion Field.
Thousands of people had gathered in the area for the annual football rivalry between Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University.
Police said nine people were shot. Thomas died, while one other victim remained in critical condition early Sunday. Seven additional victims were reported to be stable.
Investigators recovered multiple firearms at the scene and detained one person for questioning at police headquarters. Authorities have not released further information about possible suspects or charges.
Police Chief Michael Pickett called the shooting a senseless act of violence. Mayor Randall Woodfin expressed sorrow over the incident and said those responsible would be held accountable.
The investigation is continuing. Anyone with video footage or information that may assist detectives is asked to contact Birmingham Police at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
Our deepest condolences go out to Dreshawn Thomas’s family, friends and loved ones, and our thoughts are with everyone injured and affected by the shooting.
Crime
15-Year-Old Jayden Watson and 17-Year-Old Shane Dawkins Killed After Shooting at Spartanburg Cook Out
SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Two teenagers died after a shooting at a Cook Out restaurant in Spartanburg overnight, according to Spartanburg County Coroner Rusty Clevenger.
The coroner’s office was called to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center shortly after midnight Sunday, November 1, after two people who had been transported from the restaurant at 1620 John B. White Sr. Boulevard died.
The victims were identified as Jayden Marek Watson, 15, of Hartnett Drive, and Shane Carter Dawkins, 17, of Thackston Drive, both in Spartanburg. Watson was pronounced dead at 12:04 a.m., and Dawkins was pronounced dead at 12:10 a.m.
Earlier information indicated that multiple people had been shot. Two victims were taken from the scene to a hospital, while additional people reportedly arrived at the hospital on their own. Authorities have not confirmed the total number of people wounded or provided details about the conditions of any other victims.
Forensic examinations are scheduled for Monday, November 2, to help determine the cause and manner of the teenagers’ deaths.
The Spartanburg Police Department is leading the investigation, with the coroner’s office conducting a separate investigation into the deaths. Authorities have not released details about what led to the shooting.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.