2 Dead In Murder-Suicide Incident In Shelby County

SHELBY COUNTY, AL — The Shelby County Sheriff's Office is investigating two deaths from an incident Sunday in the Brook Highland area off Highway 280. The incident occurred after 6 p.m. in the 400 block of Meadow Drive.

Deputies responded to the area to investigate a complaint by a third party regarding an altercation inside an apartment in the complex. Deputies learned that at least one person was possibly armed with a gun inside the residence, and deputies were unable to make contact with the person.

The area near the residence was secured, and members of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office multi-jurisdictional Tactical Response Unit and Crisis Negotiations Unit responded to assist. When deputies entered the residence, they discovered two dead men inside.

Investigators have determined that 42-year-old Tracy Ford was shot by 35-year-old Timothy Ackers. Authorities say Ackers then shot himself. Both men lived in the apartment in which their bodies were found.

"The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office extends its sympathies to all of the families impacted by this tragic event, and we will work to support them and provide answers during this difficult time. With this in mind, we are honoring their request to withhold the names of the deceased," said Sheriff John Samaniego in a statement. "The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Cahaba Valley Fire and Rescue, Vestavia Hills Fire Department, and Brook Highland Place Apartments for their assistance in this investigation."