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.
Middletown, Ohio — Authorities have identified the victim of a fatal weekend shooting in Middletown as 49-year-old Christopher Bullock, according to the Butler County Coroner’s Office.
Officers with the Middletown Police Department responded around 12:00 p.m. Sunday to reports of gunfire in the area of Roosevelt Avenue.
Upon arrival, officers located two individuals who had sustained gunshot wounds.
Bullock was pronounced deceased at the scene.
A second victim was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. Officials have not released the condition of the surviving victim.
At this time, police have not announced any arrests or identified a suspect.
Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact Detective Kristi Hughes at 513-425-7733 or via email at kristi.hughes@cityofmiddletown.org. Tips may also be provided through police dispatch at 513-425-7701.
Detective Hughes is further urging residents in the area to review home or business security footage for any suspicious individuals or vehicles that may have been present around the time of the shooting. The investigation remains active and ongoing.