A 24-year-old man was fatally shot near an abandoned house in Bessemer late Wednesday night, marking the city’s latest incident of gun violence.
The victim, identified as Willie James Johnson III, was struck by gunfire around 10:20 p.m. on June 26 near a vacant property on Clarendon Avenue. First responders rushed Johnson to a local hospital, where medical staff attempted life-saving measures, but he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
Bessemer Police Department investigators have determined that the shooter fired from the roadway, though the method of escape remains unclear. Detectives are actively canvassing the area for surveillance footage and potential witnesses who might provide vital information about the incident.
“We’re asking anyone with information about this shooting to come forward,” said a police spokesperson. “Even the smallest detail could help us solve this case and bring closure to the victim’s family.”
The department has established a tip line for anonymous reporting of any leads related to the shooting.
The killing has sparked renewed concerns about gun violence in the Bessemer community, particularly in areas near abandoned properties that some residents say have become magnets for criminal activity. Local community leaders are calling for increased police patrols and better lighting in neighborhoods with vacant homes.
As investigators piece together the circumstances surrounding Johnson’s death, they’re examining whether this incident might be connected to other recent shootings in the area. The police department hasn’t released information about potential suspects or motives at this time.
The area around Clarendon Avenue remained an active crime scene through early Thursday morning as investigators collected evidence and documented the scene. Police have increased their presence in the neighborhood to ensure residents’ safety and gather additional information.
This incident marks another challenge for Bessemer law enforcement as they work to address gun violence in the community. The police department has emphasized their commitment to solving this case and preventing similar tragedies in the future.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact the Bessemer Police Department or Crime Stoppers. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward if their information leads to an arrest and conviction in this case.
