Hoover PD: Argument led to shooting that killed 8-year-old, injured 3
HOOVER, Ala. (WIAT) — Sunday the Hoover Police and Mayor held a news conference to release the latest development in the homicide at the Riverchase Galleria.
Friday, July 3, 8-year-old Royta Giles Jr. was shot and killed as well as three more people were injured by the crossfire of a shooting at the mall’s food court. Two victims were transported to Children’s Hospital and the third victim was transported to UAB Hospital. A fourth victim drove himself to American Family Care and was transported to UAB Hospital. The three other victims were all treated and released that evening, Hoover Police says.
The Hoover Police Department was able to make an arrest the same day of the shooting.
Montez Moses Miracle Coleman, 22 of Birmingham, Ala. is charged with capital murder and three counts of second-degree assault. There is no bond set for either of the crimes.
WATCH
Based on the latest information gathered, police say Coleman was involved in a verbal altercation with another group of five people at the food court area. Coleman pulled out a 5.56 caliber pistol from his backpack and opened fire at the group who then returned fire.
As additional officers arrived on the scene, they were alerted to a man with a firearm running through the parking deck of the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Police were able to catch him and he taken into custody without incident, according to the Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis.
Hoover Police do not believe anyone involved in the initial argument was injured. Eight-year-old Giles Jr. who was killed and the three victims who were shot and taken to the hospital were all bystanders near the shooting.
Coleman was taken into the Hoover City Jail Friday, and was transferred to the Jefferson County Jail Sunday afternoon.
Police say they are still searching for the five additional suspects who were involved in the argument that ensued before the shooting.
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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — UPDATE (7/3): The Hoover Police Department has released new information in the shooting at the Riverchase Galleria Friday afternoon.
Hoover PD says that an 8-year-old boy had died after being shot. The boy was later identified as Royta Giles Jr. by the child’s family.
Three others were injured and transported to local hospitals for treatment. The victims are identified only as an adult male, an adult female and a juvenile female. All of their conditions at this time are unknown.
Bessemer City Schools has released a statement following the death of Royta. He was preparing to enter the third grade in the fall at Jonesboro Elementary School.
Our hearts are simply broken at the tragic loss of Royta. We are here for the family in every way possible, and we ask that everyone lifts the mother, family, and our school community in your prayers. This is tough
Bessemer City Schools
The investigation is still ongoing, Hoover PD is asking if anyone has information that could help in anyway to contact them at 205-822-5300 or CrimeStoppers at 205-254-7777.
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ORIGINAL (7/3): Four people have been injured in a shooting at the Riverchase Galleria in Hoover Friday afternoon, according to the Hoover Police Department.
Hoover PD says they received calls of shots fired at the mall just after 3:18 p.m. All four victims have been transported to local hospitals with unknown injuries and conditions.
At this time, authorities do not know how many gunmen were involved in the shooting and what led to the shooting.
The mall has been evacuated and the scene is clear according to Hoover PD.
UAB Hospital has confirmed to CBS 42 that they are caring for two of the victims at this time.
The Galleria says it will remain closed Saturday. The mall released a statement following the shooting:
We are heartbroken by the tragic, senseless incident that took place in our shopping center this afternoon.
Riverchase Galleria
Riverchase Galleria was evacuated immediately and will remain closed while the Hoover Police Department conducts their investigation. There is no additional information available at this time and ask that all questions be directed to the Hoover Police Department.
Hoover PD is asking for anyone who may have video or photos of the incident to contact detectives by clicking here or calling at 205-739-6762.
No other information has been released at this time. Stay with CBS 42 as this is an ongoing story.
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