Police in Birmingham, Alabama are investigating after two 16-year-old boys were shot inside of a car Sunday night.
Investigators say the shooting happened near Avenue P and 57th Street.
One of the victims ran from the car and was found dead in someone’s front yard, according to police. The Jefferson County Coroner has identified him as 16-year-old Todd Johnson Jr..
Authorities said the second victim was found dead inside the car after it crashed into a house. He has been identified as 16-year-old Jeremiah Collier.
Both victims were students at Minor High School.
Additionally, a 15-year-old showed up at the hospital with a gunshot wound to the hand.
A witness, who asked to remain anonymous, said he heard a single shot before the car crashed into the house. After the crash, multiple shots rang out again, and he saw what appeared to be three young males running away from the vehicle.
SEE MORE: Two Best Friends Killed, One Injured In Shooting Off Bungalow Road In Georgia And Suspect Dead
He said he did not see a suspect or suspects or know where the gunfire came from.
Acting Police Chief Scott Thurmond said earlier this week investigators were still trying determine if there was a fourth friend was in the vehicle with the other three victims at the time of the shooting.
The principal of Minor High School released this statement:
“Our school community is in shock this morning after learning that two of our students were killed in a senseless act of violence last night. I knew both of these young men personally, and my heart breaks for their families and everyone that knew them,” said Principal Dr. Kalvin Eaton. “Grief counselors will be on hand when school resumes on Tuesday. Any student or staff member who feels the need to talk to someone will have the opportunity to do so.”
“This is a tragedy for the Minor High School family and the JEFCOED family as a whole,” said Jefferson County Schools Superintendent Dr. Walt Gonsoulin. “The two students’ families and their friends are in my prayers today. I have spoken to Dr. Eaton and the district will do everything we can to support the Minor High School community during this difficult time.”
In a long post on Twitter, Mayor Randall Woodfin said “it’s time to stop being numb to the violence and prioritize the lives of our youth.”
Johnson and Collier are the fourth and fifth grade-school students to be killed in Birmingham over the past six weeks.
No arrests have been made.
Anyone with any information on this shooting is asked to contact Birmingham police’s Homicide Unit at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
Tell us your thoughts...