Community activist reacts to the deadly I-165 shooting

Jeremy Jones
·2 min read

PRICHARD, Ala. (WKRG) — After a deadly shooting Monday night claimed the life of a 15-year-old and injured a 9-year-old on an interstate full of cars, community activist, Nija Hill of Mothers Involved, said she’s heartbroken to see another young child lose their life.

According to the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, two groups of people in cars began shooting out at each other traveling Southbound on I-165 toward Prichard.

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They’ve arrested T’Marvin Jones, 18, who was the intended target and recovered a handgun he was firing at the other car. Investigators said Jones has not been cooperative with law enforcement about the shooters, and he’s been booked on reckless endangerment and tampering with physical evidence.

Hill said she can understand the pain the mother is going through as she lost her 16-year-old son, Chavan, in 2021 to gun violence. She started her group, Mothers Involved, in hopes of squashing the issue and saving more young lives.

She said what happened on Monday was another act of senseless violence.

“The thing that we have to keep in mind is that a bullet doesn’t have a name on it,” said Hill. “You know, when we’re doing senseless act and we’re shooting, we’re taking a risk of hurting innocent people. You know, we’re losing babies.”

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In the Nissan Armada that was recovered by the sheriff’s office, two female passengers, Jones who was shooting back, a 9-year-old who was injured in the crossfire, and the 15-year-old victim, and in the very back a 4-year-old who was unharmed.

Investigators are still searching for the other vehicle.

Hill said she plans to hold an “all-call” community meeting next Tuesday to discuss ways and gather resources to help prevent youth gun violence. She said she is working on solidifying a location for the meeting.

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