Self-Defense Believed Motive In Fatal Shooting At McDonald Hughes Center

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Investigators say self-defense appears to be the motive in a fatal shooting Saturday in the parking lot of the McDonald Hughes Center in Tuscaloosa's West End.

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As Patch previously reported, police were called to the McDonald Hughes Center around 4:04 p.m. following a report of a gunshot victim.

Captain Jack Kennedy, commander of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit, said a 23-year-old male was found shot and was transported to DCH but did not survive his injuries.

"The shooting happened during a private event that has been scheduled at the center," Kennedy said, with Tuscaloosa Patch independently confirming that the shooting occurred at a child's birthday party. "The shooter and multiple witnesses were located and VCU was called out to assume the investigation."

Kennedy said investigators spoke with multiple witnesses, reviewed video footage, interviewed the shooter and processed the scene for physical evidence.

This is when issues of self-defense became present for investigators and Kennedy went on to say that no arrests have been made at this time.

"At the conclusion of the investigation the case will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office and presented to a grand jury to determine possible charges, if any," he said.

Kennedy then said no identifying information will be released on either subject until the investigation is completed due to the fact that no one has been charged.

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