5-year-old boy killed in Bessemer shooting now identified; police questioning 2 people

5-year-old boy killed in Bessemer shooting now identified; police questioning 2 people

Authorities have released the name of a 5-year-old boy killed in a Sunday morning shooting in Bessemer that also wounded an adult male.

The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified the young victim as Brandon Jamal Nation III. He lived in Fairfield.

Police said Monday morning that two people are being questioned but no charges have yet been filed against anyone.

The shooting happened at 10:15 a.m. Sunday in the 500 block of Seventh Avenue North.

Brandon’s mother had taken her child to the home to get his hair cut.

Bessemer police Det. Justin Burmeister said the victims were outside when someone opened fire on the house. Multiple shots were fired.

Brandon and the barber were struck.

“We know someone not at the house shot towards the house,’’ Burmeister said.

Brandon was taken to Children’s of Alabama where he was pronounced dead at 12:40 p.m.

The adult male was taken to the hospital and is in critical condition.

“It’s terrible,’’ Burmeister said. “Our thoughts are with the family during this incredibly challenging time.”

“We are working tirelessly to gather all available information and evidence to determine the sequence of events that led to this tragic outcome,’’ he said.

Brandon is Bessemer’s first homicide of 2024, and the third throughout Jefferson County in a roughly 24-hour period. There were two homicides Saturday, one in Birmingham and one in Fairfield.

Anyone with information is asked to call Bessemer police at 205-481-4366, 425-2411 or the tip line at 205-428-3541