Keshawn Woods, 19, Charged with Capital Murder in Shooting That Claimed Lives of Two Sisters in Tuscaloosa
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Authorities in Tuscaloosa are investigating a tragic shooting that claimed the lives of two sisters and left another teenager injured late Monday night at the Woodlawn Manor Apartments.
According to Captain Jack Kennedy of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit, officers responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 11:30 p.m. in the 1st Avenue area of Woodlawn Manor.
Upon arrival, police discovered two female victims—identified as 20-year-old Kaliyah Houston and her 16-year-old sister—who had both sustained fatal gunshot wounds.
A 17-year-old male was also shot but managed to escape the apartment and seek help. He was later transported to a nearby hospital and is expected to survive.
Investigators identified 19-year-old Keshawn Jermichael Woods as the suspect in the shooting.
The victims were identified as 20-year-old Kaliyah Houston and her 16-year-old sister.
Capt. Jack Kennedy of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit said a 17-year-old male was also shot and is expected to survive. Kennedy said identifying information will not be provided about the juveniles who were injured.
Witnesses told police that Houston had allowed 19-year-old Keshawn Jermichael Woods to live in her apartment for the last few months. An argument happened during which Woods produced a handgun and began shooting.
Authorities stated that Woods had been staying at Houston’s apartment for several months prior to the incident.
Preliminary findings suggest that an argument erupted inside the apartment on Monday night, during which Woods allegedly retrieved a firearm and began shooting.
Several young children, including an infant, were present in the apartment at the time of the shooting but were unharmed, according to officials.
Following the attack, Woods reportedly fled the scene on foot. A few hours later, he was located and arrested by members of the U.S. Marshals Task Force.
Woods has been charged with two counts of Capital Murder and one count of Attempted Murder. He was booked into the Tuscaloosa County Jail and is being held without bond.
Captain Kennedy confirmed that the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit is leading the investigation and noted that additional details may be released as the case progresses.
“This was a deeply tragic event that claimed two young lives and impacted an entire family,” Kennedy said. “Our investigators are committed to ensuring justice for the victims and their loved ones.”
