Sonny Arrington and Carlton Allen Shooting Update: Remembering Sonny Arrington and Carlton Allen who Lost Their Lives in a Shooting Event

 A tragic evening transpired in Birmingham as a family gathering intended to unite relatives in sorrow transformed into yet another heartbreaking loss. Officials confirmed the deaths of 43-year-old Sonny Arrington, a father of seven hailing from Clarksville, Tennessee, and 76-year-old Carlton Rufus Allen from Birmingham, who were shot late on Saturday inside an apartment located in Ensley. 

The family had gathered for a barbecue after the funeral of a younger relative, aged 29, who had been fatally shot in Fairfield just one week prior.

According to Birmingham police, the shooting occurred shortly before 11:30 p.m. at the Tuxedo Terrace apartment complex situated off 20th Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered Allen and Arrington dead, in addition to a woman who sustained injuries. She was immediately transported to UAB Hospital, where medical staff assessed that her injuries were not life-threatening. It was later revealed that several family members were present in the residence during the incident, contributing to the confusion and emotional strain from this tragedy.

Authorities have detained a 26-year-old female, identified as the niece of Arrington and the great-niece of Allen. She is presently being held at the Birmingham City Jail while investigators work on formal charges of capital murder involving two or more victims. Law enforcement stated that her sister, the surviving victim, also suffered injuries in the shooting. Initial evidence implies that the suspect fired shots from outside the apartment, although detectives have yet to establish the reason behind the fatal dispute. “What we do understand is that this is one extensive, tightly-knit family,” remarked Officer Truman Fitzgerald.

Following the incident, the Special Enforcement Team of the Birmingham Police Department promptly mobilized. Officers received indications that the suspect had fled in the direction of Bessemer. Collaborating closely with the Bessemer police, authorities tracked her down at a location within two hours and apprehended her without any further complications. Fitzgerald commended the swift arrest, highlighting it as a sign of the officers' “commitment and focus” as well as the robust cooperation among law enforcement bodies.

As more information emerges, a profound sense of sorrow envelops the family, which is already grieving the recent passing of Ja’Oree Marquel Brown-Allen. Friends and family describe Arrington as a dedicated husband and father who worked diligently to support his large family. 

A GoFundMe campaign established in his memory portrays him as “a gentle and caring individual who held deep love for his family,” leaving behind his wife, Candace, and their seven children — two daughters and five sons.