A deadly shooting in the Berry area of Tuscaloosa County is being reviewed as a possible act of self defense after investigators interviewed witnesses and collected evidence. One man died and another survived with injuries, and the case is now headed to a grand jury for a decision on charges.
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BERRY, AL (3-minute read) — Deputies in Tuscaloosa County are working to understand what led to a deadly shooting on Billy Bigham Road that investigators say may have been an act of self defense.
Around 9:40 on Friday morning, the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a shooting in the 18900 block of Billy Bigham Road in the Berry area. When deputies arrived, they found two men suffering from gunshot wounds. One man was pronounced dead at the scene. The second man was taken for medical treatment with injuries that were described as not life threatening.
Witnesses at or near the scene gave descriptions of a vehicle leaving the area. Using that information, members of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit were able to locate a suspect and take that person into custody for questioning.
After interviewing those involved and reviewing physical evidence, investigators said the shooter claimed he fired in self defense. At this stage of the investigation, they said that claim appears to be possibly credible, though no final decision has been made. The man who died has not yet been publicly identified, pending notification of family.
Self Defense Claims And Alabama Gun Owners#
Alabama law allows individuals to defend themselves if they reasonably believe they face an imminent threat of death or serious injury. That can include the use of a firearm, but every incident is judged on the specific facts, such as who started the confrontation, whether there were chances to safely retreat, and whether the response matched the threat.
Even when someone believes they acted lawfully, cases like this often move to a grand jury. The Tuscaloosa County grand jury will review reports, statements and evidence to determine if any criminal charges should be filed or if the shooting will be treated as a justified use of force.
For anyone who carries a concealed handgun or keeps a firearm for personal protection, this case is a reminder that knowing the law is just as important as knowing how to shoot. Training in conflict avoidance, de-escalation and safe handling can reduce the chances that an everyday disagreement turns into a life changing encounter.
Safety Tip: If you carry a firearm for self defense, invest in regular legal education and scenario based training so you understand when you are allowed to use force and when you must walk away, and always keep your firearm secured when not in use to prevent unauthorized access.
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