Activist Banned From Mall; Langford Released: The Week In News

BIRMINGHAM, AL - The week of December 23-29 was not just filled with Christmas carols and Santa Claus. Some significant news items made headlines this past week in the Birmingham metro area, and unfortunately a large number of those stories involved violence, as Birmingham saw its 2018 homicide total inch closer toward 110.

In another news item, a local activist found himself banned from the Riverchase Galleria due to protests over the death of EJ Bradford. As well, former Birmingham mayor Larry Langford was released from federal prison.

Here are the stories that made headlines this past week:

Activist Carlos Chaverst Jr. Banned From Galleria For One Year

Despite the Birmingham Justice League coming to some form of agreement with city officials in Hoover regarding protests surrounding the death of EJ Bradford, activist Carlos Chaverst Jr. has continued with protests and has now been banned from entering the Riverchase Galleria for a year.

Man Killed In Christmas Day Shooting In Fairfield

A shooting in Fairfield Christmas Day claimed the life of a 27-year-old man in an apartment complex behind Miles College. Romero Deon McMorris was shot and killed Christmas morning at approximately 7:15.

Larry Langford Granted Early Release

After pleas from activist groups, local politicians and family, former Birmingham mayor Larry Langford has been released from federal prison. A federal judge Friday afternoon reduced Langford's sentence for corruption to time served due to Langford's failing health.

Heavy Rain Causes Flooding Throughout Alabama

After more than 24 hours of continuous rainfall Thursday and Friday morning, parts of Alabama are left with some major flooding issues. While most areas of the state saw between two and four inches of rainfall, some counties received nearly six inches.

Piggly Wiggly Shooting Suspect Identified, At Large

The Birmingham Police Department is searching for a suspect it has identified in a Christmas Eve shooting in a Birmingham Piggly Wiggly grocery store. The female suspect is a former employee of the store who police say shot and killed 28-year-old Jerika Manuel.

Photo of Piggly Wiggly shooting suspect via Birmingham PD