Third Suspect Charged, Denied Bond For Murder Of Tuscaloosa Teen

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Tuscaloosa Police Chief Brent Blankley exclaimed to a small gathering of local media Monday evening that "we can finally call it a night."

Blankley's relief came after a third suspect was arrested in connection to the shooting death of 13-year-old Kei'lan Allen on Friday. The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit said Monday evening that Jaden Zaire Jenkins, 19, has been charged with capital murder and has been denied bond for his alleged role in the shooting.

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Patch previously reported that Julian Lamont Gordon, 21, and James Deanthony Reed, 18, have also been charged with capital murder in connection to the case and denied bond.

Gordon and Jenkins both have prior criminal records in Tuscaloosa County.

Patch reported Allen was sitting in his room Friday, 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.

Investigators believe that the actual target of the shooting was an older family member, which was the result of either gang activity or past disputes.

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).

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