Accused Shooter Of Sgt. Wytasha Carter Pleads Guilty

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Two years have passed since a deadly shooting took the life of Sgt. Wytasha Carter of the Birmingham Police Department, and Monday the officer's accused shooter pleaded guilty to the shooting.

Jeremy Owens was sentenced to life without parole after pleading guilty to capital murder of a law enforcement officer and two counts of attempted murder, according to the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office.

Owens was originally charged with capital murder in the Jan. 13, 2019 incident.

The shooting happened just before 2 a.m. Jan. 13 in the 900 block of Fifth Avenue North outside the 4 Seasons Bar & Grill. Officers were working a special detail dealing with a rash of car break-ins in that area, when an undercover officer spotted at least two suspects who appeared to be trying door handles to see if they were locked. The officer called for backup and Carter arrived.

The officer and the Carter approached one suspect and patted him down where they found what they believed to be a weapon, the police report said. The officers asked about the weapon, and Owens reportedly armed himself and fired upon the officers.

Sgt. Talana Brown, Officer Lucas Allums and Carter were rushed to UAB Hospital's Trauma Center by Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service. Carter, shot in the head, was pronounced dead at the hospital. Allums was critically wounded but released from UAB Hospital nine days after the shooting.

"This plea agreement ends the criminal case, but we know the effects of this defendant's actions will be felt by the Carter family, Birmingham Police Department and our community forever," District Attorney Danny Carr said. "We want to continue to give our condolences to the Carter family as well as our commitment to honor the life of Sgt. Wytasha Carter as we continue to serve this community and fight for justice."