Montgomery officials: four arrested in Oct. 4 mass shooting; officials call for bail, judicial changes

Montgomery City officials announced that four people have been arrested in connection with the Oct. 4 mass shooting that killed two people and injured others, and urged changes to bail and judicial practices after one charged suspect was released on bond.

Mayor said the arrests reflect coordinated work by local, state and federal law enforcement and vowed that the investigation will continue. "We have arrested, 4 suspects, in this incident, and we expect all those, tied to them to be held accountable," the mayor said. The mayor also thanked the Montgomery Police Department, the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and federal partners including the ATF, FBI and U.S. Marshals Service for their roles.

Police Chief Brayboys provided the names and charges the department has filed. He said three subjects — a juvenile male, Dontavious McGee and Kiamonte Hood — have been charged with one count of capital murder, nine counts of assault in the first degree and three counts of assault in the second degree. A fourth person at the scene, Javorick Whiting, was charged with one count of attempted murder; Chief Brayboys said that person has since bonded out. "These senseless acts of violence on October 4 that claimed the lives of Shalonda Williams and Jeremiah Morris will not be forgotten," Chief Brayboys said.

Chief Brayboys described investigation work and additional recent arrests the department tied to violent crimes. He said investigators are reviewing more than 150 cameras' worth of footage from downtown businesses and body-worn cameras to reconstruct the incident and identify all persons with criminal liability. He listed several other arrests described in the transcript, including Kadarius Griggs, 19, in the Oct. 23, 2024, killing of Eldrin Wright; Detrick Donnell Johnson, 22, charged in the shooting death of Kendall Foy (date listed in the transcript); and Derrickana Dunklin, 20, charged in the Sept. 21 stabbing of Amari Capleton.

The chief also flagged a recurring concern for law enforcement: individuals charged with violent crimes who later are released on bond and then are allegedly involved in new offenses. He said 57 people had been arrested on felony charges in the past 30 days and argued for judicial and legislative partners to reconsider bond practices. "Should it be that easy to get out when you're arrested for attempted murder? You know, that's a question for legislators," Chief Brayboys said, referencing the transcript's discussion of what he called "Anaya's law."

Officials said they have increased patrols downtown, changed some patrol posting locations, and are enforcing a zero-tolerance approach to loitering and open containers in the downtown area. The police have also activated and are expanding a drone fleet originally started with four drones; Chief Brayboys said drones were used in the Oct. 4 investigation and are used for patrol and tactical operations, but he declined to provide operational details.

Officials asked the public to continue providing tips to investigators and emphasized the work is ongoing. "This investigation is not over. It is not over by a long shot," the mayor said.

No formal votes or ordinance actions were taken during the press briefing; the event was an investigative update and an appeal for public assistance and for changes in judicial and legislative responses to violent crime.

Ending: Montgomery officials said the investigation will continue and asked anyone with information to contact law enforcement; they also urged state and judicial partners to review bond practices for violent offenses.