MONTGOMERY, AL — In a tragic escalation of gun violence, authorities have identified the teenager fatally shot in a devastating double shooting over the weekend as 17-year-old Jekobi Douglas, a resident of Montgomery. The shocking incident, which unfolded in the bustling commercial corridor of the 1200 block of Eastern Boulevard near Interstate 85 and Carmichael Road, has left the local community in mourning and authorities scrambling for answers.

According to officials with the Montgomery Police Department (MPD), emergency responders were dispatched to the scene at approximately 8:25 p.m. on Saturday, February 3, following multiple reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, officers and paramedics encountered two male victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Tragically, Douglas was pronounced dead at the scene due to his injuries, while the second victim, an adult male whose identity has not yet been disclosed, was rushed to a nearby hospital with life-threatening wounds.

A Violent Saturday Night: What We Know So Far

Witnesses described a chaotic scene as gunshots rang out, sending nearby shoppers and diners into a panic. “We were just leaving a restaurant when we heard what sounded like fireworks,” said local resident Lisa Carter, who was in the vicinity at the time of the shooting. “Then people started running, screaming, and ducking behind cars. It was terrifying.”

Several businesses in the area, including gas stations and fast-food establishments, were temporarily locked down as police cordoned off the crime scene. Surveillance footage from local establishments is currently being reviewed to piece together the events leading up to the deadly encounter.

Investigators have not yet determined a motive, and no suspects have been taken into custody as of Monday morning. Authorities have called on the public to come forward with any information that might aid in identifying those responsible.

A Promising Young Life Cut Short

Friends and family members of Jekobi Douglas have been left devastated by his untimely death. According to those who knew him, Douglas was a bright young man with aspirations of playing college basketball. “Jekobi was more than just a good athlete—he was a great person,” said Marcus Green, a close friend and teammate. “He had a big heart and always looked out for everyone. This is a huge loss.”

His former coach at Montgomery High School described him as a dedicated player with an unbreakable work ethic. “Jekobi had dreams, and he worked hard every single day to make them a reality. To think that someone so full of life was taken so violently—it’s heartbreaking.”

The Second Victim: A Critical Condition Update

While Jekobi Douglas tragically lost his life at the scene, the second victim, an adult male, remains in critical condition at a local hospital. Authorities have withheld his identity pending notification of family members, but sources indicate that he underwent emergency surgery shortly after arrival.

Hospital officials have yet to provide a full prognosis, though doctors have stated that the victim’s condition remains “extremely serious.”

A City Plagued by Rising Gun Violence

The Montgomery community has been grappling with a rise in gun violence over the past year, with city officials and law enforcement agencies searching for solutions to curb the troubling trend. Saturday’s shooting adds to a growing list of incidents that have claimed young lives and left families shattered.

Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed addressed the tragedy in a press conference on Sunday afternoon, stating, “We cannot stand idly by as violence continues to take our young people from us. This city must come together—law enforcement, community leaders, and citizens—to end this senseless bloodshed. Jekobi Douglas deserved a future, and we owe it to his family and others to ensure justice is served.”

Community activists have also weighed in, calling for increased efforts to address gang-related activity and provide more opportunities for local youth. “We need more community engagement programs, more after-school activities, and more intervention efforts to prevent these kinds of tragedies from happening again,” said community leader Reverend Malcolm Harris.

Law Enforcement’s Call for Information

The Montgomery Police Department has intensified its investigation and is urging anyone with knowledge of the incident to step forward. “We need the public’s help,” said MPD Captain Teresa Harris. “Any piece of information, no matter how small, could be the key to bringing those responsible to justice.”

Authorities are encouraging citizens to contact the following numbers with any relevant details:

• Montgomery Police Department: (334) 625-2831
• CrimeStoppers: (334) 215-STOP (7867)
• Secret Witness Line: (334) 625-4000

Anonymous tips are welcomed and could play a crucial role in solving the case.

Growing Community Memorial for Jekobi Douglas

As news of Douglas’s death spreads, a memorial has begun forming near the scene of the shooting. Candles, flowers, handwritten notes, and basketball jerseys have been placed in his honor. A vigil is scheduled to take place at Montgomery High School on Tuesday evening, where friends, family, and community members will gather to remember Douglas’s life and call for an end to the violence that claimed him.

“We can’t let this be just another statistic,” said Tasha Douglas, Jekobi’s cousin. “He was loved, he was talented, and he had his whole life ahead of him. We have to fight for justice—not just for Jekobi, but for every young person in our community.”

Moving Forward: What Comes Next?

As Montgomery mourns the loss of Jekobi Douglas and prays for the recovery of the second victim, law enforcement continues to work tirelessly to find those responsible. Investigators are analyzing forensic evidence, reviewing surveillance footage, and interviewing potential witnesses in the hopes of quickly solving the case.

City officials have also announced plans to increase police presence in high-crime areas and strengthen community outreach programs aimed at reducing youth violence.

The tragic events of February 3 serve as yet another stark reminder of the urgent need for change in Montgomery’s fight against gun violence. The coming days will be critical as authorities work to piece together the puzzle of what led to this fatal encounter and as the community rallies around the family of Jekobi Douglas.

This remains a developing story. Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.