The Birmingham community mourns after a Jan. 10 shooting on Tuscaloosa Avenue that killed 18-year-old Pleasant Grove High senior Brandon Campbell and left his friend, 17-year-old Sam Slaughter, critically injured. Five people — including two 17-year-olds — were arrested and are held without bond at the Jefferson County Jail. Authorities say the victims were shot while in their car; police believe the pair may have been lured into a robbery setup. The school held a balloon release and community members called for action to address gun violence.
Five Arrested After Birmingham Shooting Kills Pleasant Grove High Senior; Friend Critically Injured
Jefferson County JailAlgie Surrell, Jr.; Kavari Wells; Ricco Wells.
An Alabama community is grieving after a Jan. 10 shooting in Birmingham left 18-year-old Pleasant Grove High senior Brandon Campbell dead and his friend, 17-year-old Sam Slaughter, critically injured. Police say the two teens were shot while in their car on Tuscaloosa Avenue, and that suspects later opened fire into the vehicle.
What Happened
Investigators found Campbell and Slaughter after their vehicle struck a tree. According to local reports, Campbell was able to drive away after the shooting but crashed shortly afterward while trying to reach a family member for help. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Slaughter was transported to a nearby hospital with multiple gunshot wounds and later underwent surgery.
Arrests And Charges
On Jan. 16, Birmingham Police announced arrests in the case. Five people were taken into custody and are being held at the Jefferson County Jail without bond: Algie Eugene Surrell Jr., 27; Kavari Wells, 19; Ricco Wells, 22; and two 17-year-old suspects. Police say charges include capital murder, attempted murder and felony murder, with Ricco Wells and one juvenile charged with capital murder and attempted murder; Surrell and Kavari Wells charged with capital murder; and the other juvenile charged with felony murder.
articobitsBrandon Campbell
Investigation And Possible Motive
Authorities have not publicly confirmed a motive, but local reporting indicates investigators believe the victims were lured into what may have been a robbery setup. Police continue to investigate and have not released further details about the incident.
Community Response
The Pleasant Grove High School community held a balloon release to honor Campbell, who was preparing to graduate. Family members, friends and school staff addressed attendees. Jefferson County Schools shared video of the remembrance.
“Knowing that Brandon was full of life, laughter and joy, may we all find comfort in knowing that's how he lived his life,” one speaker said during the vigil.
Slaughter's father spoke publicly about the boys' close friendship, calling them "two peas in a pod," and emphasized his son's strong school record and lack of gang affiliation. He described the outpouring of community support and said he hopes the tragedy will raise awareness and help prevent future violence against young people.
All five suspects remain in custody at the Jefferson County Jail with no bond, according to police statements.
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