Crime & Safety
Third Murder Arrest Made In Fatal Willow Lane Shooting
The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit announced a third arrest in connection to the shooting death of Versaun Leonard on June 12.
TUSCALOOSA, AL — A third arrest has been made in connection to the June 12 shooting death of 19-year-old Versaun Leonard on Willow Lane.
The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit said the U.S. Marshals Task Force located Linden resident Quartavius Hudson, 21, Thursday night after Tuscaloosa investigators obtained warrants on Hudson for Capital Murder.
Captain Jack Kennedy, the commander of the multi-agency Violent Crimes Unit, said Hudson has been served with his warrant and booked into the Tuscaloosa County Jail with no bond.
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As Patch previously reported, the shooting call came in at approximately 12:14 a.m. on the morning of June 12, with the Tuscaloosa Police Department responding to multiple reports in the 3200 block of Willow Lane in the city's West End.
Once on scene, officers found a man — later identified as Leonard — shot multiple times. He would die from his injuries a short time later.
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WATCH: Updates Given On Willow Lane Murder Investigation, Arrests
Hudson represents the third arrest in the murder case, with possibly two more suspects sought, according to the last update by investigators. Justin Demond Jenkins, 21, a resident of Linden, was the second suspect arrested in the case and is joined by Hudson in being charged with capital murder. He remains in the Tuscaloosa County Jail after being denied bond.
The first suspect taken into custody, Brenygha Edwards, 22, was initially charged with capital murder, but saw that charge downgraded to felony murder after Jenkins was arrested. Edwards, a Demopolis resident, was given a bond of $80,000. According to Tuscaloosa County Jail records, she had not bonded out Friday morning.
"The investigation is still active and more charges could be forthcoming for any other participants identified to have participated in this murder," Kennedy said. "The VCU would like to thank the Linden Police Department and the Marengo County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance throughout this case."
Those with information into this case are asked to call the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit at (205) 464-8690 or Crime Stoppers (205) 752-7867.
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