Montgomery, AL — Police have arrested a fourth suspect in connection with the October 4 mass shooting that killed two people and injured twelve others in a crowded downtown nightlife district. Authorities say multiple shooters opened fire in the heart of Alabama’s capital city just before midnight, sending people running for cover.
According to Montgomery Police, 21-year-old Kemontae Hood has been charged with one count of capital murder and 12 counts of assault. Hood joins three other suspects already in custody, including an unnamed juvenile, 19-year-old Dantavious McGhee, and 19-year-old Javorick Whiting.
Gunfire Erupted in Busy Downtown District
The shooting broke out near bars, hotels, and restaurants in the city’s bustling entertainment area, just blocks from the Tuskegee-Morehouse College football game, which had drawn large post-game crowds.
“Multiple people fired weapons in a crowd just after the game had ended,” investigators said.
Authorities confirmed that the gunfire targeted one specific person, but the chaos quickly escalated as others in the crowd began firing back.
Police said a 43-year-old woman and a 17-year-old boy were killed, while twelve others were injured — five with life-threatening wounds and seven with non-life-threatening injuries.
According to AP News, at least two of the victims were armed, and several weapons were later recovered from the scene.
Suspects and Ongoing Investigation
Hood was arrested on Friday, becoming the fourth person charged in the case. Police have not said whether any of the suspects had legal representation.
Authorities arrested McGhee on Monday on capital murder charges and Whiting on Thursday for attempted murder. A juvenile suspect was taken into custody last week but has not been publicly identified due to age restrictions.
“Multiple weapons and shell casings were recovered, and more arrests are expected,” police stated in their update.
Football Rivalry Celebration Turns Tragic
The violence erupted shortly after celebrations for the Tuskegee–Morehouse football rivalry, one of the most anticipated annual events for the two historically Black colleges. The festivities drew hundreds of alumni and visitors to Montgomery’s downtown area before turning deadly.
Investigators are still working to determine the motive and whether the shooting was connected to the football festivities or a personal dispute.
“We believe the initial gunfire was aimed at one of the victims, which then prompted others to return fire,” officials said.
Seven of the fourteen victims were under the age of 20, with the youngest being 16 years old.
City Reacts and Police Urge Calm
Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed and local leaders condemned the violence, calling it another tragic reminder of the toll gun crime takes on the community. Police are asking anyone with video footage or firsthand information to contact CrimeStoppers or Montgomery Police Headquarters.
Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains active and that additional arrests are expected as detectives analyze evidence from the scene.
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