Willie James Johnson III, 24, was found shot near an abandoned house on Clarendon Avenue in Bessemer late on the night of Wednesday, June 25, 2025. Shots were reported around 10:20 p.m.; officers located Johnson with gunshot wounds and he died at a hospital about an hour later.

Investigators say the fatal rounds were fired from the roadway while Johnson was outside the vacant residence. The case initially produced few leads, and authorities appealed to the public for information to identify those responsible.

On July 25, 2025, police announced the arrest of 18-year-old Quincy Peeles Jr., who was charged with capital murder and is being held without bond. Authorities stated they believe at least one other person was involved and remains at large.

Did anyone in the Bessemer area see activity near the vacant house on Clarendon Avenue that night or know anything that could help investigators?