After a fatal confrontation in Northport, Alabama, authorities have charged 47-year-old Joyce Reed with capital murder in the shooting death of Jermaine Dashun Witherspoon. The incident occurred on July 2, 2025, in the 11400 block of Fairwood Avenue, where Reed allegedly shot the 28-year-old victim multiple times while he was seated in her vehicle. The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit has taken charge of the inquiry, which remains ongoing.
Detectives report that Reed and Witherspoon were acquaintances who became involved in a disagreement that escalated into violence. Law enforcement officials have confirmed that Witherspoon was unarmed at the time of the shooting, though the exact nature of their dispute hasn’t been disclosed. The shooting took place in a residential area, prompting immediate response from local authorities.
The capital murder charge Reed faces carries severe penalties under Alabama law, including the possibility of life imprisonment without parole. She’s currently being held without bond at the Tuscaloosa County Jail as investigators continue to gather evidence and interview potential witnesses.
The Violent Crimes Unit is working to establish a complete timeline of events leading up to the fatal encounter. Detectives are particularly focused on collecting forensic evidence from the vehicle where the shooting occurred and analyzing surveillance footage from nearby properties.
They’re additionally conducting extensive interviews with residents in the Fairwood Avenue area who might’ve witnessed the confrontation or events leading up to it. The case has drawn significant attention in Tuscaloosa County, where violent crimes of this nature are thoroughly investigated by specialized units.
Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward and assist with the inquiry. The Violent Crimes Unit has established a dedicated tip line for this case.
As the legal proceedings move forward, prosecutors will work to establish the circumstances that led to the capital murder charge. The investigation’s findings will be essential in determining the full scope of Reed’s alleged actions during the July 2 incident.
In the meantime, local authorities continue to process evidence and build their case while Reed awaits further legal proceedings in custody. The Tuscaloosa County District Attorney’s office is expected to present the case before a grand jury once the inquiry is complete. This process will determine whether there’s sufficient evidence to proceed with the capital murder charge against Reed.
