Crime
2 Shot Dead Hours Apart in Birmingham, Detectives Investigating Possible Link
Birmingham, AL – A violent night in southwest Birmingham left two men dead. The victims have been identified as Malike Williams, 26, and Damone Gardner, 34.
The first incident occurred around 5 PM, when Williams was fatally shot during a dispute possibly related to a social media post. He was transported to UAB Hospital but did not survive.
The second shooting took place less than four hours later, just a short distance away. Gardner was found unresponsive in the middle of the road after a Shot Spotter alert triggered a police response. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police believe the two shootings may be connected and are investigating the possibility of a link between the victims. Witnesses suggest that a personal conflict escalated into violence in both cases.
The homicides mark the 124th and 125th deaths in Birmingham this year.
The city has experienced a surge in violence, with seven people killed in less than 72 hours, including four victims of a mass shooting.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about either homicide to contact Birmingham detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
Crime
18-year-old Kyler Naely charged for the murder in shooting death of 16-year-old Ja’Tycie Williams
An 18-year-old suspect has been arrested and charged in a deadly shooting that occurred in October, which claimed the life of a 16-year-old and injured another.
The incident began on October 6, 2024, shortly after 12:45 a.m., when officers were called to a shooting on I-244 near Yale Avenue.
Upon arrival, they discovered a gray SUV riddled with bullet holes and shattered windows. Investigators determined that seven people were inside the vehicle at the time of the shooting.
Two occupants of the vehicle suffered gunshot wounds.
One victim, 16-year-old Ja’Tycie Williams, sustained critical injuries and succumbed to them several weeks later. The other victim suffered a minor gunshot wound to the arm and survived.
Preliminary investigations revealed the incident was linked to a fight at the Tulsa State Fair earlier that evening.
Witnesses reported that the altercation, which occurred as the group was leaving the fairgrounds, likely escalated into the highway shooting.
Following an in-depth investigation, Tulsa Police Homicide Detectives identified 18-year-old Kyler Naely as the suspect responsible for the shooting.
On November 19, 2024, Naely was arrested, charged with first-degree murder, and booked into the Tulsa County Jail.
Authorities emphasize that the case remains under investigation and are urging anyone with additional information to contact Tulsa Crime Stoppers at 918-596-COPS. Callers can remain anonymous.