Christopher Cornell Keith and Unnamed Victim: Fatal Shooting in Sylacauga Leaves One Dead, One Injured in Targeted Attack

On the night of May 11, 2025, a targeted shooting in Sylacauga, Alabama, resulted in the death of 48-year-old Christopher Cornell Keith of Childersburg and left another man injured. The incident occurred in the area of East 5th Street near North Louisville Avenue and Curran Street, prompting a swift response from the Sylacauga Police Department and emergency personnel.

Victims

• Christopher Cornell Keith: A 48-year-old resident of Childersburg, pronounced dead at UAB Hospital in Birmingham following the shooting.
• Unnamed Victim: An unidentified man who sustained non-life-threatening injuries and is receiving medical treatment. Authorities have not released further details about this individual.

Investigation

The Sylacauga Police Department, in collaboration with the Talladega County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, is investigating the shooting as a targeted attack. Key details include:

• Shell casings found at the East 5th Street scene indicate the use of firearms.
• The proximity of the two crime scenes suggests a rapid sequence of events.
• Authorities are exploring motives such as personal disputes, gang activity, or drug-related crime.
• Tips can be submitted to the Sylacauga Police Department at 256-391-4390 or Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 1-833-251-7867.

Community Impact

The shooting has heightened concerns about gun violence in Sylacauga, a city with a history of similar incidents. Recent examples include:

• September 2022: Dontez Lamar Garrett killed in a shooting on Seminole Avenue.
• July 2022: Nartavius Cortez Fluker-Smith killed near South Main Avenue.
  Residents are calling for increased police presence and community programs to address the root causes of violence.

Broader Context

The incident reflects the national challenge of gun violence, with Alabama facing high rates of firearm-related deaths. Systemic issues such as poverty, lack of mental health resources, and easy access to firearms contribute to the problem. Community-based solutions and policy changes are critical to preventing future tragedies.

Conclusion

The Sylacauga shooting underscores the urgent need for justice and systemic change. The loss of Christopher Cornell Keith and the injury of another man serve as a call to action for the community to unite against violence and work toward a safer future.