Devon Darien Johnson

Devon Darien Johnson was a young man with dreams of a future in music, a path he was paving while studying business administration at Alabama A&M University. Born on December 7, 1997, in the Bronx, New York, he later moved to Alabama, where he graduated from Midfield High School in 2016. Known to his loved ones for his smile and sense of humor, the 22-year-old male was remembered by family and friends as a cherished relative and a loyal friend whose spirit was "out of this world." He confessed his faith at an early age and attended church in Birmingham. Devon's ambition was to become a famous rapper, and he was actively pursuing his studies in both business and music to achieve that goal.

Tragically, his aspirations were extinguished on the evening of July 21, 2020. At around 8:30 p.m., multiple calls reporting shots fired sent Jefferson County Sheriff's deputies to the Chateau Glen Apartments in the 400 block of Fairfax Drive in Fairfield. At the scene, they discovered two victims suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Devon and a 24-year-old woman were rushed to UAB Hospital for treatment. Despite medical efforts, Devon succumbed to his injuries at 9:32 p.m. His death was officially ruled a homicide.

The investigation, led by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, suggested the shooting was the result of an attempted robbery. Detectives found a paper bag containing cash near where Devon was shot. According to witness statements, a male suspect dressed entirely in black clothing emerged from behind one of the apartment buildings and opened fire on Devon. The female victim, who was not believed to be the intended target, was struck by gunfire as she was getting her child out of her vehicle. Her injuries were determined to be non-life-threatening, and thankfully, her child was not physically harmed in the attack.

In the immediate aftermath, investigators interviewed witnesses, but no suspect was taken into custody. The description of the shooter remains limited to a male wearing all black. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office urged the public to come forward with any information that might lead to an arrest, releasing contact numbers for their office and Crime Stoppers.

In the days following Devon's murder, his family and community gathered to mourn their loss. A public visitation was held on July 30, 2020, followed by a graveside service at Elmwood Cemetery on July 31. He was survived by his parents, Sherron Reza Johnson and Darryl Levon Moore, as well as his brothers, grandparents, and a host of other relatives and close friends who were left heartbroken by his sudden and violent death.

As of July 2020, the investigation into the murder of Devon Darien Johnson remains open and unsolved. No arrests have been announced, and no suspects have been publicly identified. His family continues to wait for justice, grappling with the unanswered questions surrounding the loss of a young man with a promising future. Anyone with information regarding the shooting is encouraged to contact the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office at 205-325-5900 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.