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Markiezia Atkins and Chaveda Willis killed in shooting at Aria Restaurant & Lounge in Birmingham
Police were also called to a drive-by shooting scene outside the UAB Hospital, where officers said no one was injured.
Gunfire broke out in the vicinity of UAB Hospital in the early hours of Monday when several individuals with gunshot wounds arrived in a private vehicle seeking assistance.
As per both authorities and eyewitnesses, a champagne-colored Chevrolet Tahoe stopped at the hospital’s entrance to seek aid for the individuals wounded by gunfire.
This shooting incident is suspected to have occurred following a dispute at Aria Restaurant and Lounge, located in the 900 block of Fifth Avenue North.
Upon the SUV’s arrival at UAB, which occurred around 2:17 a.m., a separate vehicle approached and began shooting at the Tahoe.
Witnesses reported hearing multiple shots being fired, likening the sounds to the striking of iron pipes. The gunfire struck both a UAB police vehicle and a hospital window.
Consequently, Birmingham and UAB police officers implemented a security perimeter around the emergency room, and the hospital was placed under lockdown.
UAB authorities directed any further inquiries to the Birmingham police. According to Birmingham police Officer Truman Fitzgerald, at least five individuals were shot in the initial incident on Fifth Avenue North.
Tragically, two of these victims, both females, were subsequently declared deceased at the hospital.
A considerable number of friends and family members had gathered outside the emergency room.
They also expressed frustration at their inability to obtain information regarding the incident. At around 5:30 a.m., the family members of one of the victims, a female, became visibly overwhelmed when they received the heartbreaking news of her passing.
Individuals with information related to the case are urged to contact homicide detectives at 205-254-1764 or reach out to Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
