Allen J Thomas Obituary, Death; – Authorities have disclosed the identity of a 13-year-old boy who was fatally shot when gunfire erupted at his residence in Bessemer. The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office has confirmed the victim as Allen J. Thomas. Officers responded to a report of the shooting shortly before 10 p.m. on Friday in the 1200 block of 13th Street North.
Thomas was transported to Children’s of Alabama hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 2:58 a.m. on Saturday. According to Bessemer police Detective Justin Burmeister, the boy was inside his home when an unidentified suspect or suspects opened fire. Investigators have not disclosed the intended target of the shooting.
The left side of the house displayed multiple bullet holes, a direct consequence of the incident on Friday. Witnesses noted that damage to a large window adjacent to the front door was from a prior shooting. As of now, no arrests have been made. This incident marks one of two fatalities in Bessemer within the initial days of 2025.
Mayor Kenneth Gulley expressed his sorrow, stating, “It is with a heavy heart that I extend my deepest condolences to the Chaney-Thomas family as they grieve the devastating loss of their loved one due to gun violence. No parent should have to bury their child, and no community should have to endure such senseless acts of violence.”
He further remarked, “We are just four days into the new year, and already our city has experienced two tragic homicides. This is unacceptable. As your mayor, I want to assure you that we will exhaust every resource and avenue to bring those responsible for this heinous act to justice.”
The mayor urged the residents of Bessemer to prioritize peace over violence, stating, “We must find ways to resolve our differences without resorting to guns. This lawlessness cannot and will not define who we are as a city.”
Anyone with information regarding the teen’s murder is encouraged to contact detectives at 205-425-2411, the tip line at 205-428-3541, or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
