MUSCLE SHOALS, Ala. — Muscle Shoals police say one teenager is dead and another in custody following a Sunday morning shooting, the third such violent incident to happen in North Alabama communities over a 24-hour period. Officers were called to the Red Roof Inn on Woodward Ave. to find a 15-year-old Tuscumbia boy with a gunshot wound.
The teen was taken to Helen Keller Hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Deshler High School officials have now identified the 15-year-old as Demarion Richardson. The school also announced that they will have grief counseling services available for students on campus this week.
A 16-year-old boy from Florence is said to be in custody, with criminal charges expected to follow.
This is the third shooting reported in North Alabama in a 24-hour period.
The first, an officer-involved shooting in Athens, claimed the life of a 15-year-old boy police said was threatening officers and family members with knives and firearms. Police said the teen aimed a rifle at officers, prompting that shooting. The case is now in the hands of the State Bureau of Investigation. Once complete they will turn over the findings to the Limestone County District Attorneys Office.
Late Saturday afternoon in Huntsville, one person was reported killed after a shooting on Squaw Valley Drive. Huntsville police had not confirmed any suspects or arrests with FOX54 as of 3 p.m. Sunday.
All three incidents are still under investigation.
A fourth shooting, this one non-fatal, was reported as happening in Decatur on June 15. According to Decatur Police, Morgan County Central Dispatch received a call from Decatur Morgan Hospital after 17-year-old male was brought in with gunshot wounds. The injuries were not life-threatening. Officers met with the victim who said the shooting happened during a robbery in the alley in the 1200 block of 6th Ave. SE. The investigation is ongoing and it's believed to be an isolated incident.