Vestavia Police Officer Killed In Gardendale Thursday Night

GARDENDALE, AL - A Vestavia Hills police officer was killed late Thursday evening in what Gardendale police are describing as a "domestic incident." Vestavia Hills has identified the officer as 42-year-old Andrew Wade Kimbrel. The homicide happened at Woodbrook Apartments in Gardendale.

Gardendale police chief Mike Walker said in a press conference Friday that Kimbrell was shot just before 11 p.m. Thursday and was taken to UAB Hospital where he died early Friday morning.

wife, 43-year-old Stephanie Nicole Keller, is charged with murder and remains in the Jefferson County Jail on $100,000 bond.

With the VHPD since 2002, Kimbrell worked as a school resource officer at Vestavia Hills West Elementary and Vestavia Hills High School.

“Andy was loved by his fellow officers and the community which he chose to protect. The Vestavia Hills Police Department extends our gratitude to the community for their outpouring of support during this difficult time,” Capt. Johnny Evans said at Friday's press conference. “We would also like to extend our appreciation to the Gardendale Police Department for their professional courtesy in handling this situation. We extend our deepest sympathy to Andy’s family, relatives and friends."

Funeral arrangements have not been announced.