Twelve-year-old Jerron Barnes was shot and killed in Vernon, Alabama, on the evening of Monday, September 11, 2017. The shooting occurred at a residence on 4th Street Southwest sometime after 9 p.m., and the Lamar County Coroner confirmed his death. Jerron, born October 14, 2004, attended Vernon Intermediate School and was described as a happy-go-lucky, friendly seventh grader who got along easily with classmates and teachers.

The Alabama State Bureau of Investigation took over the homicide inquiry and confirmed the death was being treated as a homicide while investigators pursued leads. Authorities did not release a motive or identify suspects in the initial days, and there have been no public announcements of arrests. The case remains open in the community that gathered to support Jerron’s grieving family.

If anyone knew Jerron, was present in Vernon on September 11, 2017, or has information about the shooting, please come forward to assist the investigation.