Record-setting reward in Birmingham mass shooting still stands after arrest: How does the process work?

A substantial reward for information about the deadly mass shooting in Birmingham’s Five Points South remains available, even after one arrest in the case. The $100,000 reward—offered by Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama and the FBI—is the largest in Crime Stoppers’ history.

Authorities have yet to designate anyone to receive the reward related to the Hush lounge shooting, but they emphasize that it’s still early in the investigation. 

“Crime Stoppers has received over 120 tips on this case, all of which have been forwarded to detectives,” said Crime Stoppers Executive Director Bob Copus. Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond noted that more than 300 tips were submitted through both Crime Stoppers and a QR code set up for the case.

“We’ve never had that many tips in any case before,” Thurmond remarked. 

Due to the ongoing investigation, Birmingham police Sgt. LaQuitta Wade stated that detectives have not yet determined if anyone will receive a reward for their tips and are still seeking additional information.

The previous largest reward was $25,000 after the abduction of Kamille “Cupcake” McKinney in 2019, who was later found murdered. 

“It’s a life-changing reward,” said Crime Stoppers’ Board Chairman Frank Barefield, “and it’s completely anonymous.” The FBI’s $50,000 reward is specifically for information that leads to an arrest and conviction, while the $50,000 offered by Crime Stoppers is for identifying suspects, not requiring a conviction.

Crime Stoppers board members are notified by police when a tip leads to a breakthrough, and they vote weekly on reward distributions. Tips submitted through Crime Stoppers are assigned a unique ID number, ensuring anonymity for the informant.

Earlier this week, police announced the arrest of 22-year-old Damien Laron McDaniel III, who is charged with capital murder for the Five Points South massacre that claimed four lives on September 21 and has 17 counts of first-degree assault for those injured.

The victims included Carlos McCain, 27, Roderick Lynn Patterson Jr., 26, Anitra Holloman, 21, and Tahj Booker, 27. Seventeen others, believed to be innocent bystanders, sustained varying injuries. Police reported that multiple gunmen fired over 100 rounds, including automatic gunfire, into a crowd waiting to enter the Hush lounge. Investigators suspect the shooting may have been a targeted hit.

McDaniel is also charged with murder in the unrelated killing of Diontranet Tinae Brown, a 35-year-old bystander shot at a bar on September 19, as well as in the shooting death of Jamarcus McIntyre, who was killed the day after the mass shooting. McDaniel faces three counts of attempted murder related to that incident, which also injured two others.

Birmingham police continue to investigate, exploring the theory that the mass shooting was a targeted hit and suggesting multiple motives may be involved. Some of the deceased had extensive criminal histories, potentially leading to hired hits against them.

The investigation is supported by multiple agencies, including the FBI, ATF, DEA, and others. Chief Thurmond expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, “We’ve got six people who lost their lives, along with 17 who were injured. The impact on our city and community is tremendous.” 

More charges are anticipated as the investigation progresses. “Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama is pleased to see arrests made in this case,” Copus added. “Holding violent offenders accountable is crucial for a safe community.”