From The Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM — One suspect has been arrested and another suspect is at large in connection to a 17-year-old’s murder on Monday, May 16, just before 6:00 p.m.
According to the Birmingham Police Department (BPD), Jemarien Goree, 18, of Fultondale, was arrested for the murder of 17-year-old Dwaine Thomas of Birmingham.
“Detectives presented the case to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office for review,” Sergeant Rodarius Mauldin said. “After an assessment of the information, detectives obtained a Capital Murder warrant.”
Goree was taken into custody and will be held in the Jefferson County Jail with no bond.
“Detectives identified two suspects involved in this incident,” Mauldin said. “The other suspect is still at large. The investigation is ongoing.”
Related Story: 17-year-old shot and killed after physical altercation, suspect fled scene
Thomas suffered a gunshot wound injury in the parking lot of 1228 Tuscaloosa Avenue South West.
BPD observed the physical altercation when they were responding to another call.
“As the officer entered the parking lot, the suspect retrieved a firearm from a vehicle and shot the victim Dwain Thomas,” Mauldin said. “A pursuit ensued as the suspect fled the scene in a small blue sedan. The suspect was able to elude apprehension.”
BPD states that the preliminary investigation indicates the victim was involved in a physical altercation with the suspect as onlookers stood by and recorded the altercation. The fight escalated to gunfire.
This is Birmingham’s 47th murder investigation of 2022, with five justifiable death investigations.
The story will be updated when more information is available.