COTTONDALE, Ala. (WIAT)- A gun-fueled battle in West Alabama injures six people, leaving two in critical condition. A birthday celebration at Eddins Estates apartment complex on Ken Sealy Drive turned volatile when two men entered the home, demanded money, and opened fire. "When I came home there was, like, blood stains all over my building, like on the gorund. You could tell where something just happened," says Trent Gray, a resident of Eddins Estates.
When Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Deputies arrived they found four victims in the apartment and another in a seperate unit. The sixth gunshot victim is one of the suspects. He was injured when a guest at the party returned fire. The suspect was seen being dropped off at DCH by a private car.
The victims are a 17-year old male (critical condition), an 18-year old male (stable), an 18-year old female (critical), an 18-year old male (stable), and a 20-year old male (treated and released). The suspect that was shot underwent emergency surgery and is currently listed in stable condition. "It's a difficult investigation. We've got victims in the hospital [and] a number of witness that scattered throughout the complex," says Tuscaloosa Sheriff Ted Sexton.
Tuscaloosa Police arrested another suspect, 23-year old Donald Deshun Wynn, at a relative's house in Cottondale. Wynn has been charged with five county of Robbery 1st Degree, two counts of Attempted Murder, one count of Burglary 1st Degree, two counts of Assault 2nd Degree, and one count of Assault 1st Degree.
The shootings happened in an area not known for crime and danger. "I just couldn't believe it, you know, I was here, I just wouldn't think anything like that would happen right here so close to home," says Gray. Sheriff Sexton adds, "I wouldn't call it a high crime neighborhood. We've responded to calls out there, [but] this is the first shooting that I'm aware of in that area." Most residents are shocked, but don't think the incident reflects their neighborhood. "I always felt that it's a safe area. We've never had any problems, this is the first time," says Imane Abhir.
The investigation is ongoing and more arrests may be coming. If you have any information, you're asked to call the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office at (205) 752-0616.
