A recent high school graduate with his life ahead of him, DreShawn TeVerious Thomas was just 19 years old when his future was cut short. A Birmingham native, DreShawn was a member of the 2026 graduating class of A.H. Parker High School. His recent accomplishment was a significant milestone, and he is remembered as a member of the school community. Beyond this, little has been publicly shared about his personal life, his interests, or his plans for the future.
The night of Halloween 2026 was meant to be a time of celebration in Birmingham. The 85th Magic City Classic, a historic and culturally significant football rivalry between Alabama A&M University and Alabama State University, had drawn nearly 70,000 fans to Legion Field. Hours after Alabama A&M secured a 31-28 victory, many people, including DreShawn, remained in the area, enjoying the post-game festivities among tailgaters and vendors that lined the streets.
The festive atmosphere was shattered at 7:51 p.m.
by the sound of gunfire in the 400 block of Graymont Avenue West. According to Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, this was the first of two separate shootings that occurred less than eight minutes apart. The first incident took place outside the official perimeter of Legion Field, beyond the tailgating area. DreShawn was struck by the gunfire in this initial burst of violence. First responders rushed to the chaotic scene, but his injuries were too severe. He was pronounced dead at 8:24 p.m. by the Jefferson County coroner.
The violence continued moments later with a second shooting across the street, near food vendors along Graymont Avenue. In total, the two incidents left a devastating toll: besides DreShawn, eight other people were wounded, their ages ranging from 19 to about 30. Of the survivors, one was listed in critical condition, while the other seven sustained injuries that were not considered life-threatening. The shootings caused panic and brought an abrupt end to the day's celebrations, with police ordering an immediate suspension of all tailgating activities and clearing the area around the stadium.
The Birmingham Police Department launched a homicide investigation into DreShawn’s death. At a press conference the following day, Police Chief Michael Pickett described the shooting as "completely senseless." Investigators recovered multiple firearms from the scene. Police also confirmed that one person, a 17-year-old male, was detained at the scene for questioning. Mayor Woodfin later stated the teenager had used an illegal Glock switch, a device that converts a semi-automatic pistol into a fully automatic weapon.
In the days following the shooting, authorities stated they were pursuing other suspects, but no further arrests have been publicly announced. The motive for the shooting remains unclear. Police have not specified what led to the altercation or if those involved knew each other. Investigators appealed to the public for help, asking anyone with information or video footage of the incident to come forward. They created an online portal for anonymous submissions.
As of early November 2026, the investigation into the death of DreShawn TeVerious Thomas was ongoing. No formal charges had been announced in connection with his murder. The community was left to mourn the loss of a young man and grapple with the violence that marred a cherished city tradition. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the Birmingham Police Department’s homicide unit at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
