Suspect charged in killing of 59-year-old man who was shot on I-59/20 while on his way to work
A suspect is in custody in the shooting death of a 59-year-old man on Interstate 59/20 in Bessemer.
Police on Thursday announced a capital murder charge against 22-year-old Derrick Lamonte Todd Jr. He is charged in the May 15 slaying of William “Barry” Brannon.
Investigators took Todd into custody Thursday morning in Hueytown. He remains held in the Bessemer City Jail awaiting transfer to the county jail where he will be held without bond.
Brannan was on his way to work at City Auto Sales of Bessemer early that Wednesday when he was shot. He was found inside his running vehicle just off the interstate on Alabama Adventure Parkway.
He was pronounced dead moments later.
Police previously released a photo of Brannan’s white Ford Flex and a gray or silver vehicle behind Brannan that Bessemer Det. Justin Burmeister said is the possible suspect vehicle.
The photo was captured just before 6 a.m. that day on I-59/20 northbound between Academy Drive and Alabama Adventure Parkway.
Authorities have not released any additional information on what led them to identify Todd as a suspect. There is no indication the two knew each other, but the investigation is ongoing.
Barry Brannan was found shot to death just off I-59/20 in Bessemer on May 15, 2024. Police have released a photo of his white SUV and a possible suspect vehicle traveling behind him.(Contributed)
Brannan’s death has been a blow to those who knew and loved him.
“He was the sweetest man you would ever meet,’’ said Sherri Wood, who had planned to marry Brannan this summer. “Everybody loved Barry. He always did right by everyone.”
“He was all heart,’’ Wood said.
Brannan, who lived in West Blocton and was a graduate of Erwin High School, left for work earlier than normal Wednesday.
“Every morning at 5:50 a.m., he would leave the house,’’ Wood said. “I would text him and he would text me back before he left.”
On Tuesday night, Wood said, Brannon told her he would be leaving earlier than normal to get to the office to meet someone there to sell him speakers.
“The guy actually showed up at the office looking for Barry,’’ Wood said.
Brannan had been in the car business all of his life. He had a beloved 1969 Chevy and a Harley Davidson motorcycle.
He left behind two daughters.
Investigators said the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with additional information is asked to call the Bessemer Police Department at 205-481-4366, the department’s tip line at 205-428-3541. Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.