Allen J. Thomas Obituary, Death: 13-year-old shot and killed inside Bessemer home identified; mayor calls it “unacceptable.”
Allen J. Thomas Obituary, Death – Authorities have identified the 13-year-old boy who was tragically shot and killed when gunfire was directed into his home in Bessemer. The victim, Allen J. Thomas, was found after police responded to reports of a shooting late Friday evening.
Around 10 p.m. on Friday, officers were dispatched to the 1200 block of 13th Street North following reports that a child had been shot. Thomas was rushed to Children’s of Alabama hospital but was pronounced dead early Saturday morning at 2:58 a.m.
Bessemer police Detective Justin Burmeister stated that the boy was inside the house when one or more suspects fired into the home. At this time, authorities have not confirmed whether Thomas was the intended target or if the gunfire was meant for someone else.
The scene of the shooting revealed multiple bullet holes in the left side of the house, clearly indicating the force and nature of the attack. In addition, there was visible gunfire damage to a large window next to the front door, which witnesses suggested was from a previous shooting incident. No arrests have been made, and investigations are ongoing.
This incident is one of two homicides to occur in Bessemer in the first days of 2025, highlighting the city’s growing concerns over gun violence. In response to the tragedy, Bessemer Mayor Kenneth Gulley expressed his condolences to Thomas’s family, saying, “It is with a heavy heart that I extend my deepest condolences to the Chaney-Thomas family as they grieve the devastating loss of their loved one due to gun violence.” The mayor emphasized that no parent should have to endure such a loss, particularly not in a violent manner.
Mayor Gulley also spoke out against the senselessness of the crime, acknowledging the pain felt by the community. “We are just four days into the new year, and already our city has experienced two tragic homicides,” he said. “This is unacceptable. As your mayor, I want to assure you that we will exhaust every resource and avenue to bring those responsible for this heinous act to justice.”
The mayor appealed directly to the community, urging residents to “choose peace over violence.” He called for efforts to find solutions to conflicts without resorting to firearms, adding, “This lawlessness cannot and will not define who we are as a city.”
Authorities have urged anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward. Those with details are encouraged to contact Bessemer detectives at 205-425-2411, or the tip line at 205-428-3541, or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
