Derrick Wilder Jr., 20, was fatally shot after an apparent robbery in west Tuscaloosa on June 16, 2023. Around 2 a.m. a vehicle arrived at the Tuscaloosa Police Department’s West Precinct carrying Wilder with a gunshot wound; he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The shooting scene was identified at the Creekwood Village Apartments.

Investigators used witness interviews and video evidence to determine the incident began as a robbery and became fatal. Within hours a suspect under 18 was identified; a warrant for capital murder was issued and the juvenile was located and taken into custody with assistance from the Tuscaloosa Police Department Special Response Team and the US Marshal’s Task Force. Property stolen from Wilder was recovered during searches.

Searches also turned up narcotics and at least one firearm, resulting in charges against a different juvenile who was not alleged to be the shooter. The alleged shooter was charged with capital murder and held without bond.

If anyone witnessed the robbery or has information about events at Creekwood Village Apartments that night, please share what is known.