Birmingham, AL — A 40-year-old Birmingham man faces felony murder charges in the violent death of his relative, despite not being the one who actually fired the fatal shots. Brandon Quartez Jemison was implicated in the homicide of Malike Williams, which took place during a September altercation involving another man, who authorities said acted in self-defense.
Court documents released on Monday detail the deadly incident that unfolded on the afternoon of September 24 at the Big Boy Convenience Store located on Pearson Avenue. Authorities believe the confrontation may have been triggered by a dispute pertaining to a social media post, escalating to lethal violence.
According to police, Williams was declared the initial aggressor in the altercation, leading to the third man shooting in defense. The man, whose identity was withheld, legally discharged his firearm, fatally injuring Williams. Williams succumbed to his injuries while being transported to UAB Hospital.
Alabama laws concerning accomplice liability have led to Jemison’s murder charge. Under state law, individuals involved in the commission of a felony that results in death can be charged with murder, regardless of whether they personally delivered the lethal act. Additionally, Jemison faces charges of attempted murder targeting the shooter.
Jemison reportedly fled the scene immediately following the shooting. His arrest came on a Friday, and he was booked into the Jefferson County Jail with bonds set at a total of $60,000.
The tragic sequence of events continued to unfold, as less than four hours later, Williams’ best friend, 34-year-old Damone Gardner, was also shot dead. The circumstances surrounding Gardner’s death suggest it may have been linked to an argument over Williams’ shooting, although police have yet to make any arrests in connection with Gardner’s demise.
The community’s response to these incidents underscores an urgent call for addressing the spiraling violence and the complex interplay of social media disputes turning fatal. Law enforcement continues its investigation into both deaths, hoping to bring closure to the families affected and restore a sense of security in the community.
This case serves as a poignant reminder of the broader consequences when private disputes escalate to public violence, and the legal ramifications that can ensue, even for those who do not directly engage in the act of violence. Legal experts assert that the application of accomplice liability aims to deter individuals from participating in criminal activities that could foreseeably lead to harm.