City of Montgomery, MPD Address Weekend Violence

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Mayor Steven L. Reed and Police Chief James Graboys addressed the community today following a violent weekend that left five people dead in separate incidents across Montgomery. Both leaders stressed that every life lost to violence is one too many and reaffirmed the City's commitment to accountability, safety, and community partnership.

Mayor Reed opened the press conference with a solemn message to residents.

"Our city has seen too much violence this weekend," Mayor Reed said. "Lives have been cut short. Families are grieving. And our community has been scarred by acts that should never have happened. Every life lost to violence is one too many. We can't just get used to this. We can't shrug it off and move on like it's normal. It's not normal. And it's not acceptable in Montgomery."

Mayor Reed shared that he visited the scene on Carmichael Road where three people were shot and two of them died.

"I didn't go there out of curiosity," he said. "I went because I care about the people of this city and because I want this violence to stop. Seeing it up close was tough. It reminded me that behind every crime scene tape are real people, real families, and real pain. That's what motivates me."

He added that law enforcement is working around the clock but cannot do it alone:

"Chief Graboys and his officers are working around the clock to track down those responsible and to get justice for the victims and their families. They are not alone in this work - the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office and ALEA are also stepping up to help us pursue justice and keep our community safe. But the police can't do it alone. We all have a role to play. That means checking ourselves, de-escalating situations, and making better choices."

Chief Graboys: "One Homicide is Too Many"

Chief Graboys followed the Mayor's remarks by outlining MPD's active investigations.

"Before I begin, I want to extend my deepest condolences to the families of the individuals whose lives were lost this past weekend," Chief Graboys said. "As I have often said, one homicide is too many, and the Montgomery Police Department takes each act of violence in our community very seriously. Over the course of the weekend, we tragically responded to multiple isolated incidents, each stemming from poor conflict resolution during private encounters between individuals who were known to one another."

Chief Graboys confirmed that investigators have developed strong leads in each case:

"Our investigators have been working tirelessly around the clock, and I want to reassure the citizens of Montgomery that we have strong leads in these cases. Suspects will be charged and placed in the Montgomery County Detention Facility to be held accountable for their actions and face justice in a court of law. I am proud of the dedication and professionalism of the men and women of the Montgomery Police Department, and we remain committed to protecting our community and seeking justice for every victim."

Weekend Incidents Under Investigation

The following incidents remain under active investigation by MPD:

• Friday, September 19, 2025 - At approximately 1:30 a.m., officers responded to the 1700 block of W. Haven Lane in reference to a shooting. Fedel Saunders, 30, sustained fatal injuries from a gunshot wound and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
• Saturday, September 20, 2025 - At approximately 4:00 a.m., officers responded to the 3100 block of Virginia Loop Road in reference to a structure fire. Timeko Coleman, 50, was found with fatal injuries from blunt force trauma and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
• Saturday, September 20, 2025 - At approximately 7:40 p.m., officers responded to the 5100 block of Carmichael Road in reference to subjects shot. Anthony Davis, 37, and Prentice Parks, 44, sustained fatal injuries from gunshot wounds and were pronounced deceased at the scene. An additional male sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
• Sunday, September 21, 2025 - At approximately 2:11 a.m., officers responded to a local hospital in reference to two subjects stabbed. Ahmari Capleton, 19, sustained life-threatening injuries and was later pronounced deceased. An additional female sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The incident occurred in the 3200 block of Raintree Drive.

Community Call to Action

Mayor Reed and Chief Graboys both emphasized the importance of community involvement in preventing further tragedies.

"Our future depends on it," Mayor Reed said. "We can either keep losing lives to violence, or we can choose another way. And I'm asking every person in this city to choose peace, to choose resolution, to choose life."

Chief Graboys urged citizens with information to come forward:

"These incidents were isolated, but they highlight the importance of resolving conflicts without resorting to violence," he said. "Our officers and investigators are committed to pursuing every lead, and I am confident that those responsible will be brought to justice. If you have information that can aid these investigations, please come forward."

MPD encourages anyone with information to report anonymously through:

• CrimeStoppers: 215-STOP
• Secret Witness: 625-4000
• Montgomery Police Department: 625-2831

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