Media Release 264-Arrest made in the Johndarius Ward Homicide Investigation-3rd Avenue West
Arrest Made in the Johndarius Ward Homicide Investigation
The Birmingham Police Department reports detectives have obtained a warrant for an arrest in connection to the murder of Johndarius Decareious Ward. He was shot and killed on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 814 3rd Avenue West.
The suspect has been identified as:
Jaylin Rashad Horn, (25), B/M, of Bessemer, Alabama.
On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, detectives coordinated with Crime Stoppers and released video surveillance seeking public assistance to help identify the subjects featured in the video.
Later in the evening, the suspect turned himself into police custody.
On Friday, November 22, 2024, Birmingham Police Detectives presented case information to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office. After an assessment of the information, detectives obtained a warrant for Capital Murder.
The suspect is in the custody of the Jefferson County Jail and has No Bond.
The Birmingham Police Department would like to thank our community members for their assistance in this investigation.
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click to print. Media Release 264-Arrest Made in the Johndarius Ward Homicide Investigation-3rd Avenue West
Homicide Investigation
The Birmingham Police Department is conducting a homicide investigation. The incident occurred on Saturday, October 5, 2024.
The victim has been identified as:
Johndarius Decareious Ward, (26), B/M, of Birmingham, Alabama.
At approximately 3:06 a.m. West Precinct officers responded to four (4) ShotSpotter notifications registering a total of forty-two (42) rounds of gunfire.
When officers arrived on the scene, they observed the victim inside a vehicle unresponsive and suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
Birmingham Fire Rescue Services arrived on the scene and pronounced the victim deceased.
While on the scene, officers learned of a second victim who arrived at Princeton by private vehicle also suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound.
The preliminary investigation suggests that the victim was attempting to leave the parking lot of the convenience store when an unknown suspect who we believe was lying and waiting, began firing shots into the victim’s vehicle fatally wounding the victim. We also believe an additional unknown person began firing shots in the parking lot of the location and the second victim was caught in the crossfire.
There is no one in custody.
If there is anyone who has information pertaining to the case, please contact the B.P.D. Homicide Unit @ 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers @ 205-254-7777.
This is Birmingham’s 118th murder investigation of 2024 with9 justifiable death investigations.
The Birmingham Police Department adheres to FBI Uniform Crime Reporting guidelines set for all law enforcement agencies across the United States. FBI Uniform Crime Reporting guidelines do not require law enforcement agencies to include justifiable death investigations in the total homicide investigations counts.
**The information is based on a preliminary and ongoing investigation, which continues to evolve as investigators interview witnesses, review physical and electronic records, and analyze forensic evidence. The Department’s understanding of the facts and circumstances may change as additional evidence is collected and analyzed**
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