On the evening of November 18, 2024, gunfire erupted at the Frederick Douglas Apartments on 11th Avenue in Phenix City, Alabama. Police found 30-year-old Princeton Shermal Kelly with multiple gunshot wounds; he was taken to Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital in critical condition and died there on November 21, 2024, at 10:06 p.m. His body was sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Science for autopsy.

Investigators described the scene as chaotic and recovered more than 100 shell casings of various calibers, consistent with multiple firearms being fired. Surveillance footage captured the sounds of the exchange. Authorities have considered several possible motives, including gang-related activity, but have not ruled out other scenarios. A funeral service was held November 30, 2024, and Kelly was buried at Sunset Memorial Gardens. His survivors include his mother and daughter.

The Phenix City Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division continues to investigate and the Russell County District Attorney’s Office has invited the public to submit evidence or video that could help the case. Did anyone in the area see or record activity around the Frederick Douglas Apartments that night?