BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A string of violent incidents across Jefferson County has resulted in 14 fatalities over the past 14 months, with authorities now leveling additional murder charges against Damien McDaniel, a suspect linked to multiple mass shootings within the region.
On a recent Tuesday, Birmingham Police Department confirmed they secured warrants for McDaniel related to the fatal shooting of firefighter Jordan Melton and the attempted murder of his colleague, Jamal Jones. Following these developments, McDaniel faces charges in two other homicide cases, escalating the total number of allegations against him to 14 killings since the summer of 2023.
Tragedy struck on July 12, 2023, when Melton and Jones were ambushed while performing morning duties at Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service’s Station 9. The assailant, identified as McDaniel, accessed the facility through an open bay door and commenced shooting. Melton succumbed to his injuries five days later at UAB Hospital, leaving behind a grieving family and a community in shock.
In his tribute, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin remembered Melton as “a vibrant young brother full of life,” praising his conversational skills, business acumen, and the light-heartedness he brought into every room. “He was a tremendous son and a pillar of strength for his family during these challenging times,” added Mayor Woodfin.
Further escalating the violent crime wave, on January 10, 2024, the tranquility of the Oak Ridge Park community was shattered when 21-year-old Mia Nickson was discovered deceased from a gunshot in a driveway. Like before, McDaniel was charged with intentional murder.
In the spring of the same year, another incident occurred at a UPS facility parking lot where Anthony Love Jr., an employee, was fatally shot after concluding his shift — marking yet another targeted attack for which McDaniel and another individual, Charles Nance, were charged with murder for hire.
The summer brought more sorrow on July 13, when multiple casualties resulted from gunfire at the Trendsetters Lounge and Event Center during a birthday celebration. McDaniel and Hatarius Woods, 27, of Fairfield were implicated in these violent acts which left several injured and two dead at the scene.
The wave of crime associated with McDaniel continued through the year, with another critical incident unfolding in August. Upon responding to a stolen vehicle report at Vice Hills community, police engaged in gunfire with suspects. An ensuing search led to the discovery of 61-year-old Charlie Herbert Moore, fatally shot inside an apartment. Again, McDaniel faced charges related to capital murder due to alleged burglary, with Charles Nance being complicit in the planning of the crime.
In addition to the brutal acts that peaked intermittently throughout the year, September witnessed a lethal shooting at the 604 Bar & Lounge which resulted in the death of 35-year-old Diontranet Tinae Brown, further compounding the list of intentional murders associated with McDaniel.
Lastly, a horrific mass shooting outside a hookah and cigar lounge in Birmingham’s vibrant Five Points South neighborhood ended with four deaths and numerous injuries. A day following this chaos, yet another murder occurred in the South Eastlake area, bringing more despair to an already reeling community.
As of October, Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond announced McDaniel’s arrest, encapsulating a period marked by rampant violence and loss. McDaniel now faces charges including capital murder and multiple counts of attempted murder, highlighting a grim chapter in Birmingham’s recent history. With these developments, the community seeks closure and justice for the senseless violence that shook their neighborhoods, awaiting trials and hopeful for peace to be restored.