Second Arrest Made In Murder Of Tuscaloosa Teen Last November

TUSCALOOSA, AL — A second arrest has been confirmed in the shooting death of a 19-year-old woman last November in Tuscaloosa's West End.

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Tuscaloosa County Jail records show that Jerrell Brown was booked into custody on Friday, charged with murder, second degree robbery, driving with a suspended license and two counts of possession of a forged instrument third degree.

According to a deposition filed in Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court in November, Deramus Devalle Harris Jr.,18, was the first suspect charged with the murder of Shania Robinson, in addition to another charge of robbery second degree.

The incident occurred on the afternoon of Nov. 19, 2021 in the 4000 block of 21st Street, at approximately 4 p.m. When Tuscaloosa Police arrived on the scene in response to the shooting call, Robinson was found unresponsive in the front driver’s seat of the vehicle suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.

Despite attempts by medical personnel to render aid, she did not survive her injuries. It was then learned by investigators that she was shot during an attempted armed robbery

The deposition goes on to say that the intended victim of the robbery told investigators he had arranged to purchase a weapon from Harris. However, the victim went on to say during the transaction, Harris attempted to take his money, in addition to forcefully regaining possession of the gun.

During the ensuing struggle, investigators were informed that a second backseat passenger — identified as Brown — attempted to physically help the other male victim in the struggle for the gun. As Harris and Brown fought over the gun, a shot rang out, striking Robinson.

The male victim then reported in the deposition that the vehicle drove off with Harris and Brown, but not before he saw the gun thrown out into the roadway from the back seat, with a witness later identifying Harris and Brown as being in the vehicle as it drove away.

Brown remains in the Tuscaloosa County Jail as of Monday, according to jail records, with his total bond set at $180,500.

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