Birmingham man charged with double shooting and kidnapping of a seven-year-old
In a horrific incident that shook the city of Birmingham, a 45-year-old local man named Demetrice Alphonzo Smith has been apprehended for allegedly shooting two people and abducting a seven-year-old child in Bessemer last week.
Charges Detailed
Smith faces grave charges of first-degree domestic violence, attempted murder, second-degree kidnapping, first-degree burglary, discharging a firearm into an occupied dwelling, and menacing. The shooting took place at a residence situated in the 1300 block of Fairfax Avenue, and was reported at 5:54 a.m. last Thursday.
Upon arrival, the policemen found a man and a woman suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite their injuries, both victims were coherent enough to engage the officers in conversation before they were transferred to the hospital. They are currently recuperating from their injuries.
Kidnapping of the Seven-Year-Old
While the officers were investigating the crime scene, a citizen found the woman’s seven-year-old child two blocks away from the house. Initially, it was unclear whether the child had been taken by the suspect or had run off in fear when the shooting began. However, on investigating further, it was identified that the child was, indeed, kidnapped by the suspect.
Authorities have clarified that Smith is not the child’s father. Currently, the child has been safely returned to the residence and is with other family members.
Relationship between the Suspect and the Victims
The nature and extent of the relationship between Smith and the victims have not been disclosed yet, although it has been confirmed that the female victim was acquainted with him. The motive behind the double shooting and subsequent abduction is still under investigation.
Current Legal Proceedings
Smith was taken into custody and booked into the Jefferson County Jail at 10:14 a.m. Monday. He is held with bonds totaling $123,000. The case is under active investigation, and the authorities have urged anyone with additional information to contact them. The phone numbers shared by them are 205-481-4366, 425-2411, the tip line at 205-428-3541 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
In Summary
The city of Birmingham witnessed a heinous crime last week, shaking the community to its core. A man has been charged with double shooting and kidnapping a seven-year-old child. While the victims are recovering, a concerted effort is being made to unravel the truth and bring the perpetrator to justice. The authorities are soliciting any supplementary information from the public to aid their investigation.
