Fatal Shooting in Sylacauga Leaves One Dead, One Injured
SYLACAUGA, Ala. — A tragic incident unfolded in Sylacauga late Sunday night, resulting in the death of one man and injuries to another in what authorities are describing as a targeted shooting.
According to Lt. Willis Whatley of the Sylacauga Police Department, officers responded to reports of multiple gunshots in the area of East 5th Street near Louisville Avenue. The initial calls came in shortly before midnight, prompting a swift police response. Upon arrival, officers were redirected to Curran Street, where they discovered two male victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Emergency personnel quickly transported both individuals to UAB Hospital in Birmingham for medical attention. One of the victims, 48-year-old Christopher Keith of Childersburg, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead on Monday morning. The second victim, whose identity has not been released, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and is expected to recover.
Lt. Whatley confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, and detectives are actively working to piece together the events leading up to the shooting. Police have not yet released information regarding potential suspects or a motive but indicated that the shooting does not appear to be random.
“This is a deeply unfortunate situation,” Lt. Whatley said. “We are doing everything we can to determine what led to this senseless act of violence and to hold the responsible individuals accountable.”
The shooting has sent shockwaves through the Sylacauga community, which has been grappling with a series of violent incidents in recent months. Residents in the East 5th Street and Curran Street neighborhoods expressed concern over increasing crime and called for stronger measures to enhance safety.
Local authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling the Sylacauga Police Department at 256-249-4716.
As investigators continue to gather evidence, they are asking residents and businesses in the vicinity to check any surveillance footage from late Sunday night that may help identify persons of interest or suspicious activity in the area.
Keith’s death marks a somber moment for both Sylacauga and the nearby community of Childersburg, where he was well-known. Family and friends have begun posting tributes on social media, remembering him as a kind-hearted individual who will be missed.
More information will be released as it becomes available. In the meantime, the Sylacauga Police Department is maintaining a presence in the area to provide reassurance and deter any further incidents.