SELMA, AL – A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in Selma over the weekend as 14-year-old Jamarj Acoff was fatally shot, leaving a community in mourning and authorities searching for answers. Law enforcement officials have confirmed that a 17-year-old suspect has been taken into custody in connection with the incident.

The Selma Police Department responded to reports of a shooting in the 1400 block of Weaver Street in the early hours of Saturday, February 10, at approximately 1:55 a.m. Residents of the neighborhood awoke to the sound of multiple gunshots, prompting urgent 911 calls. Upon arrival, officers discovered Acoff lying unresponsive on the ground, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical responders arrived shortly thereafter and rushed him to Vaughan Regional Medical Center, where doctors worked tirelessly to stabilize his condition. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts, Acoff succumbed to his injuries.

Later that evening, Selma City Schools confirmed Acoff’s identity in an official statement, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of one of their students.

“This is a challenging time for us all as we deal with the loss,” Selma Interim Superintendent Darryl Aikerson said. “Jamarj was a bright student with so much promise ahead of him. His absence will be deeply felt by teachers, classmates, and the entire Selma City Schools community.”

The 17-year-old suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed due to being a minor, was apprehended on Saturday afternoon. Authorities have not yet released details regarding the motive behind the shooting, though they believe the two teenagers may have known each other. The suspect is currently being held without bond at the Perry County Detention Center, awaiting further legal proceedings.

Community in Shock as Investigation Unfolds

The sudden loss of such a young life has sent shockwaves through the Selma community. Jamarj Acoff was described as a respectful and friendly young man who enjoyed playing basketball and had dreams of one day making a difference in his community. Friends and family gathered for a candlelight vigil on Sunday evening, lighting candles, sharing memories, and calling for an end to senseless gun violence in the city.

“He didn’t deserve this,” said Acoff’s cousin, Monique Jackson. “He had his whole life ahead of him. He was just a kid, full of energy and always had a smile on his face.”

Many community leaders, including Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr., have also spoken out about the tragedy. Mayor Perkins emphasized the need for stronger initiatives to curb youth violence and keep firearms out of the hands of young individuals.

“We must come together as a city and take action to prevent these types of tragedies,” Perkins said. “This is not just about one family; this is about our entire community suffering a great loss.”

Authorities Urge Public Cooperation in Ongoing Investigation

The Selma Police Department has remained tight-lipped about certain aspects of the case, but officials have assured the public that an extensive investigation is underway. Law enforcement is actively working to determine what led to the fatal shooting, whether there was an ongoing dispute between the suspect and victim, and if there were any additional individuals involved.

Selma Police Chief Kenta Fulford addressed the media on Sunday, urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward.

“We are working diligently to ensure that justice is served for Jamarj and his family,” Chief Fulford said. “If anyone in the community has any knowledge about this tragic event, we strongly encourage you to reach out to our department. Every piece of information matters.”

Authorities have requested that anyone with details about the shooting contact the Selma Police Department or the Crime Stoppers tip line. Those wishing to remain anonymous can do so, and a reward may be offered for information leading to additional arrests.

Grief and Support for Selma City Schools Students

As the community processes the devastating loss, Selma City Schools has announced that grief counseling services will be available for students upon their return to school on Monday. School administrators are working closely with mental health professionals to provide emotional support for students and staff struggling to cope with the tragedy.

“We understand that this is a very difficult time for our students, particularly those who were close to Jamarj,” said Superintendent Aikerson. “Our counselors and staff will be available for anyone who needs to talk, and we encourage parents to check in on their children and offer them support during this period.”

Teachers and students have also taken to social media to share their thoughts and memories of Acoff, posting heartfelt messages and pictures as they grieve his loss.

Addressing Gun Violence Among Youth in Selma

This tragic incident has reignited concerns about gun violence among young people in Selma. In recent years, the city has seen an increase in violent crimes involving minors, raising alarms among local officials and community activists. Many are calling for stronger preventative measures, such as mentorship programs, conflict resolution training, and stricter regulations on firearms access for juveniles.

Community activist Derrick Johnson, who has been working on youth intervention programs in Selma, believes more proactive efforts are needed to keep teenagers away from violence.

“Our kids need guidance, structure, and safe environments where they can thrive,” Johnson said. “We cannot allow gun violence to continue taking away our young people. We have to take action now, not later.”

Many Selma residents are echoing these concerns, pushing for more community engagement programs aimed at keeping young people on a positive path.

Legal Proceedings and the Road Ahead

As the legal case against the 17-year-old suspect moves forward, prosecutors will determine whether he will be charged as an adult or remain within the juvenile justice system. Alabama law allows minors to be tried as adults in cases involving serious violent crimes, and given the severity of the incident, it is possible that the suspect may face adult charges.

Legal experts suggest that the case will take time to unfold as investigators gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build their case.

In the meantime, Jamarj Acoff’s family is left to grieve and plan for his funeral. Support has poured in from across the city, with community members rallying to assist the family with expenses.

As Selma mourns yet another life lost to gun violence, many hope this tragedy serves as a wake-up call to address the underlying issues contributing to youth crime. While no action can bring back the life of Jamarj Acoff, his family and community are determined to honor his memory by advocating for peace and change in Selma.

This remains a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.