Murder on Valley Avenue
November 02, 2019

It’s been more than a year since a 20-year-old Jefferson County man was shot and killed on Birmingham’s Valley Avenue, and investigators say they haven’t given up on solving his murder.

Kijuan Harrell, who graduated from Pinson Valley High School with an advanced diploma, died June 23, 2018. The shooting happened about 1:15 a.m. Saturday on Valley Avenue.

Birmingham police said Harrell was shot while in a vehicle. There were conflicting reports as to whether the shooting fired from another vehicle or got out and opened fire on the victim.

After the shooting, the vehicle ended up in a parking spot at the far west end of Fox Valley Apartments. Harrell was taken to UAB Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 2:13 a.m. Another male was in the vehicle at the time of the shooting but was not injured.

 

Police said the investigation showed Harrell may have been a bystander caught in crossfire.

"Kijuan was loved by many,'' his mother, Chiquita Norman Dixon, previously said. "A piece of my soul has been ripped out and is not coming back."

Birmingham police Sgt. Johnny Williams on Wednesday said investigators need the public’s help in getting justice for Harrell. “We know there was a large group of people out there that night and we think someone in that group may be able to help us in the investigation,’’ Williams said. “We need them to come forward.”

Williams said they are seeking witnesses and any video that may have been recorded before, during or after the shooting. “Don’t assume somebody else gave us this information,’’ he said.

Anyone with information on Harrell’s slaying is asked to call Birmingham homicide detectives at 205-254-1764. Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.

Tarrant Shooting
November 01, 2019

Steven Riley, 34, died early Monday, just hours after he was shot in the head Sunday night while in a vehicle in the 1200 block of Forest Street. “No 14-year-old should have to go through this,’’ said Lynette Brasher. “No family should have to go through this. He was the most loving person.”

Tarrant police and fire medics responded just after 8:30 p.m. Sunday to Forest Street between Wharton and Auburn avenues. Neighbors called 911 after hearing multiple shots fired.

When first responders arrived, they Riley unresponsive in his vehicle. His truck, police said, had crashed into another truck. It wasn’t immediately clear whether he was driving when he was shot, said Tarrant Sgt. Jay Jenkins.

Riley was also taken to UAB Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 2:58 a.m. Monday.

Riley grew up in Adamsville and attended Minor High School before leaving before his senior year to attend a private Christian school. He loved camping and the outdoors.

After graduation, Riley went to work as a landscaper. He had twin daughters, one of whom was killed in a 2009 car crash.

Brasher said she was on the road in Georgia with her husband, a truck driver, when she got a call Sunday night saying that Riley had been shot and was at the hospital. Riley’s father was at the hospital with him. “I’m still not even sure what happened,’’ she said.

Brasher said her son had texted her “I love you” Saturday. She responded that she loved him too, and Riley responded again, “I love you.” “He always had to have the last word,’’ she said with a laugh.

Riley never met a stranger, she said. “Anytime I was sad, he could always make me laugh,’’ she said. “He could always make anyone laugh.”

Asked if she had anything to say to the person or people who killed her son, Brasher said, “I would tell them we forgive them, I’ve done a lot of praying, but they have taken one of the most important people in the world to me.”

Tarrant police detectives are looking for anyone who may have spoken to Riley in the 24 hours before he was killed.

Anyone with information is asked to call Tarrant police at 205-849-2811 or Crime Stoppers at 205254-7777. Tipsters to Crime Stoppers can remain anonymous and are eligible for a cash reward if their tip leads to an arrest and conviction in the case.

Fatal shooting in Bessemer
August 21, 2019

Devin Skylar Sandlin was shot to death in Bessemer, and authorities are asking for the public’s help in finding his killer or killers.

Sandlin, 23, was shot June 4 in the 1700 block of Long 14th Street. Police received a call of a possible shooting around 8:09 p.m. that Tuesday and arrived to find the victim with multiple gunshot wounds.

He was taken UAB Medical West, where he was pronounced dead at 8:47 p.m.

Bessemer police said they are trying to find a bright red Dodge Charger in connection with the case. Sandlin was in the vehicle just before the shooting.

Information obtained from al.com article written on June 19, 2019 by Carol Robinson. Please click on link below to see complete article.