BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Two people were killed and five others were injured in a shooting Thursday night in Birmingham’s Sandusky neighborhood, where police said a gathering was underway when gunfire erupted.
Officers responded shortly after 8:30 p.m. to the 100 block of Holley Avenue after reports that multiple people had been shot, according to the Birmingham Police Department. When officers arrived, they found at least seven adults with gunshot wounds.
The Jefferson County Coroner identified the people who died as Bernard Duane Montez Watts, 50, and Diandra Young Johnson, 33, both of Birmingham. Police said one of the victims died at the scene and the second died later.
Birmingham police said preliminary evidence indicates some type of gathering was taking place when the shooting happened. Investigators have not said how many shooters may have been involved, but police described a large volume of gunfire and estimated more than 30 shell casings were recovered.
The condition of the five surviving victims was not immediately released.