Arrest Made, More Expected In Killing Of Tuscaloosa Teen

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit has confirmed an arrest in connection to a Friday night shooting that left a 13-year-old boy dead in his family's home on Washington Square Friday.

James Deanthony Reed, 18, was arrested Sunday night, according to unit commander Captain Jack Kennedy, and charged with capital murder. He also said more arrests are possible in the future.

Reed was transported to the Tuscaloosa County Jail Sunday night and was denied bond.

The teen killed was identified as Kei’lan Allen. Kennedy said the teen was not the intended target of the shooting. Kennedy then said it is believed that the suspect’s actual target was an older family member, which was the result of either gang activity or past disputes.

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Patch reported on Saturday Allen was sitting in his room, playing on his iPad, when numerous shots were fired at the house. One of the bullets went through a bedroom window, hitting the child in the head and killing him.

Patch reported on the homicide investigation roughly an hour after the call of the shooting came in at approximately 6:20 p.m. Friday evening.

Those with any information into this case are asked to call (205) 349-2121, (205) 464-8690 or report anonymously at (205) 752-STOP (7867).

This is a developing story. Follow us here for more as additional information comes in.