An Alabama suspect, Damien McDaniel, has been charged with capital murder in connection with several shootings this year, including two deadly massacres outside nightclubs in Birmingham.
McDaniel, 22, is currently in police custody and faces charges related to a July 13 mass shooting that left four people dead and 10 others injured. The Birmingham Police Department announced the charges during a press conference.
In addition to the July incident, McDaniel was also linked to a September 21 mass shooting in Birmingham, where four people were killed and 17 others wounded. Police believe the shootings were targeted and possibly carried out by paid individuals.
Authorities now suspect McDaniel's involvement in three other fatal shootings that occurred in August and September, bringing the total number of deaths attributed to him to 11, with 29 others wounded in five separate incidents.
Another suspect, Hatarius Woods, 27, was also charged with capital murder in connection with the July mass shooting. Investigations into the September 21 massacre are ongoing, with multiple shooters believed to be involved.
Officer Truman Fitzgerald revealed during a press conference that Woods and McDaniel were responsible for approximately 30% of homicides in Birmingham between July and September. He emphasized the impact of a few individuals on the city's crime rate, tarnishing its reputation.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin addressed the city's violent crime crisis, urging state legislators to focus on implementing gun safety laws rather than solely increasing police presence. He highlighted the need for higher-level action to protect residents and combat gun-related violence.
