Teen Charged with Capital Murder in Shooting Death of Birmingham Student
Birmingham, AL – A 17-year-old has been charged with capital murder in connection with the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Ronald Martez Bennett Jr., a student at Huffman High School. The Birmingham Police Department announced the charges on Thursday, following an investigation into the incident that occurred on February 1.
The shooting broke out around 12:21 a.m. in the 600 block of Eighth Terrace West and was described by authorities as a targeted attack. Bennett was behind the wheel of his vehicle when he was struck by gunfire. A passenger attempted to regain control of the car amid the chaos, ultimately crashing into shrubbery and a front porch of a nearby home. Bennett was found outside the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The response from family and friends was immediate, as multiple individuals arrived at the scene as tow trucks removed the vehicle involved. Sgt. LaQuitta Wade stated that homicide detectives presented their findings to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s office, which resulted in the issuance of a warrant for the suspect’s arrest.
Although the investigation is still ongoing, a motive for the shooting has not yet been disclosed. The charges are categorized as capital murder because Bennett was killed while in a vehicle. The unnamed suspect is currently in custody at Ross G. Bell Juvenile Detention Center for an unrelated charge but will be transferred to the Jefferson County Jail, where he is expected to be held without bond.
This incident has left the community in shock, highlighting ongoing concerns over gun violence among youths. Further updates on the case are expected as it moves through the legal system.
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