Homicide Investigation Underway After Body Discovered Near Montgomery’s Recent Mass-Shooting Site

Early Saturday morning, City police found a man’s body on Dexter Avenue in downtown Montgomery. The death has been classified as a homicide, WSFA reported.

The discovery came just over two blocks from where, less than a week earlier, a mass shooting left two dead and 12 wounded in one of Montgomery’s busiest entertainment districts.

Montgomery police responded to reports of a “subject down” around 5 a.m. on the 100 block of Dexter Avenue. First responders arrived to find a man unresponsive, and he was later pronounced dead at the scene.

At this time, authorities have not released the victim’s identity. The cause of death remains pending. Investigators are treating the case as a homicide and are collecting evidence at the crime scene.

The proximity of this homicide to last weekend’s downtown violence raises concerns about a pattern of lawlessness in Montgomery’s core. The mass shooting took place near Commerce and Bibb streets, not far from the Dexter Avenue location.

In that earlier incident, gunmen opened fire in a crowded area. Police said one person was initially targeted, triggering others in the crowd to draw weapons and return fire. The victims included a 17-year-old named Jeremiah Morris and a 43-year-old woman, Shalanda Williams.

Some authorities say the two episodes may reflect a broader failure of leadership and enforcement in Montgomery’s downtown.

Critics are not holding back. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall slammed city officials in a public statement following the mass shooting: “These events underscore, once again, that our capital city is in crisis. … the people of Montgomery deserve leaders who are competent, accountable and committed to restoring law and order.”

Mayor Steven Reed responded by inviting dialogue. He rejected the notion that city officials are ignoring crime. “I need solutions, and he’s willing to offer some solutions around bail and bond reform. I’m open,” Reed said.

But critics argue that Reed’s approach lacks urgency. Local GOP officials have accused the mayor and his administration of failing to act decisively even as public safety deteriorates.

Montgomery is already reeling from event cancellations in the wake of the mass shooting. Several downtown venues pulled out engagements, citing security fears.

The City Council voted unanimously to suspend the downtown entertainment district, which allowed people to carry alcoholic drinks in designated areas, a measure intended to curb rowdy behavior.

Meanwhile, investigations continue on both fronts. In the mass shooting case, authorities have made arrests. A juvenile was taken into custody on Friday in connection with the October 4 incident.

In the Dexter Avenue homicide, there is no public comment yet on suspects or motive. Officials say it may be days before they can release more information.

For residents and observers, the reality is stark: a body found feet from a site of recent mass violence, and an administration under pressure to prove it can protect its citizens. The public—and especially those living and working downtown—will expect answers soon.