18-year-old is 2nd suspect charged with capital murder in spring break slaying of Clay-Chalkville High junior
A second suspect has been charged in the April shooting death of a teen in east Birmingham.
Jordan Mekhi Watts, 18, is charged with capital murder in the slaying of 17-year-old Kamaree Shondale Phillips, a junior at Clay-Chalkville High School. Police say Phillips was killed during a robbery.
A 16-year-old has already been charged with capital murder in the case. His name has not been released because of his age.
Birmingham police took Watts into custody Thursday morning on the city’s east side.
Both suspects remain held without bond in the Jefferson County Jail.
Phillips was one of three high school students slain in Birmingham during spring break.
Kamaree Phillips, 17, was shot to death April 1, 2023, in Birmingham.
The shooting happened about 4:19 p.m. that Saturday, April 1, at Magnolia Court apartments. East Precinct officers responded to #3 Westchester Court.
They arrived to find Phillips, who had sustained critical injuries, on the ground outside of a vehicle.
He was rushed to St. Vincent’s East with plans to transfer him to UAB Hospital or Children’s of Alabama, but he died before that transfer could happen, said Officer Truman Fitzgerald.
Phillips, police said, was in a vehicle when the shooter walked up to the vehicle and began firing. Fitzgerald said it appeared the victim was targeted.
Dr. Walter B. Gonsoulin, the Jefferson County Schools Superintendent, released a statement on the teen’s death.”The loss of any student is felt throughout our district. I wish to express condolences to Kamaree’s loved ones, his friends, and his teachers. Our thoughts and prayers are with them. We will have grief counselors at Clay-Chalkville High School Monday for any student or staff member who needs assistance.”
A 17-year-old boy was fatally shot Saturday, April 1, 2023, on Westchester Court in east Birmingham. (Carol Robinson)
Clay-Chalkville High School Principal Dr. Eugene Dallas echoed Gonsoulin. “It is tragic to have one of our students leave for spring break and then not return because of an act of violence. As I shared with our school community, there really are no words for a time like this. Our school mourns with Kamaree’s family. We stand with them. They are in our prayers.”
Phillips was the third teen fatally shot in Birmingham in six days. Two Birmingham City Schools students were also killed over spring break.
Caleb Witt, 17, was slain on Sunday, March 26, and Jada White, 16, died Wednesday, March 29.
“He was loved by many friends and family. He was a young man that dreamed big dreams and loved others freely and deeply,’’ according to Phillips’ obituary. ” He will be greatly missed, always remembered, and forever loved.”