An 18-year-old Pleasant Grove High School senior has died and another student remains hospitalized following a late-night shooting in west Birmingham, according to police.
The Birmingham Police Department said the shooting occurred Saturday night, Jan. 10, shortly before 11:00 p.m., in the 1600 block of Tuscaloosa Avenue Southwest.
Officers with the department’s West Precinct responded to reports of two people being shot and arrived to find a vehicle that had crashed into a tree in the front yard of a residence. Police said the driver, identified as Brandon McNeal Campbell, 18, of Pleasant Grove, was unresponsive when officers reached the scene. A juvenile-age male was found injured in the passenger seat.
The Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service transported both victims to a local hospital. Despite life-saving efforts by medical staff, Campbell succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. The passenger remains hospitalized and is continuing to receive treatment.
Victims identified as high school seniors
The Jefferson County Schools confirmed that both victims are seniors at Pleasant Grove High School.
Superintendent Dr. Walter Gonsoulin released a statement expressing condolences and support for the school community.
“I am deeply saddened that one of our Pleasant Grove High School seniors was killed in an act of violence, and that another senior from the school was seriously injured,” Gonsoulin said. “I am praying for the injured student’s recovery, as well as both families as they navigate this tragedy. We will do everything we can to support them and the Pleasant Grove High School family.”
School officials said members of the JEFCOED Cares team will be on campus to provide counseling and support services to students and staff affected by the incident.
Police describe circumstances leading up to shooting
According to investigators, preliminary information indicates that both victims were inside the vehicle and had arranged to meet an unknown individual while in the 1600 block of Woodland Avenue Southwest. During that encounter, police said the suspect fired multiple shots into the vehicle.
Authorities believe Campbell was able to drive away from the scene after the shooting but later lost control of the vehicle and crashed several blocks away.
No suspects have been identified or arrested as of Sunday, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Police ask for public’s help
The Birmingham Police Department is urging anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward. Tips can be provided directly to the Birmingham Police Department Homicide Unit at 205-254-1764. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
Police say any information, no matter how small it may seem, could help investigators identify the person responsible and bring answers to the victims’ families and the school community.
