Innocent Bystander Killed in Crossfire at Alabama Mall Food Court

Victim Identified

The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Darin Marquese Hall, a 32-year-old Birmingham resident. Hall was caught in the crossfire when gunfire erupted around 5 p.m. Witnesses and security footage revealed that the shooting stemmed from a confrontation involving three individuals.

Sequence of Events

According to reports, one of the men involved kept his hand under his shirt as he stood on one side of the food court, while the two others were positioned across from him. As one of the two men moved closer, the first man pulled a firearm and opened fire.

The targeted individual dropped to the ground before struggling back up, appearing to be injured. Meanwhile, the third man reportedly returned fire before fleeing the scene.

Amid the chaos, customers ducked for cover—some running for safety while others hit the floor. Hall, who had been standing in line for food, was tragically struck by a bullet.

First Responders and Investigation

A Fairfield firefighter, who happened to be at the scene, attempted to render aid by using a towel to apply pressure to Hall’s wound. Despite these efforts, Hall was pronounced dead at 5:33 p.m. at Princeton Baptist Medical Center.

Additionally, a 21-year-old man was transported to UAB Hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound. His condition remains undisclosed.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation, and no arrests have been made at this time.

Sheriff’s Statement

Jefferson County Sheriff Mark Pettway addressed the public following the incident, vowing to bring the responsible individuals to justice.

“My main concern is keeping the citizens of Jefferson County safe. We will use all of our resources to hold those responsible accountable,” Pettway stated.

He emphasized the senseless nature of the violence, adding,

“As a result of this brazen act, an innocent person has lost their life.”

A History of Violence at Western Hills Mall

The Western Hills Mall has seen multiple violent incidents in recent years:

• 2023: A 16-year-old boy was killed outside the mall in a hail of gunfire by three masked suspects.
• 2020: A man was shot in the parking lot.
• 2018: Mall manager Anthony Alberigi, 59, was an innocent bystander caught in crossfire and was fatally shot while walking on the sidewalk.

Community Response

Fairfield Mayor Eddie Penny acknowledged the situation but stated that he is still gathering information before making further comments.

Authorities urge anyone with information about Sunday’s shooting to come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation.