On a warm Thursday evening in Birmingham, Alabama, the life of 50-year-old Bernard D. Watts Sr. was tragically cut short in a burst of gunfire. On June 4, 2026, Watts was among a group of people at a gathering in the 100 block of Holley Avenue when the peaceful scene was shattered by a mass shooting. The chaotic event left a total of seven people struck by bullets, marking a grim day for the city.
The preliminary investigation by the Birmingham Police Department suggests that the
shooting erupted during the community gathering. When first responders arrived, they found a scene of chaos with multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Bernard D. Watts Sr. and another individual, 33-year-old Diandra Young Johnson, sustained fatal injuries in the attack. Five other adults were also wounded in the shooting and were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
In the immediate aftermath, law enforcement officials began an intensive investigation into the deadly shooting. Detectives worked through the night, processing the scene for evidence and interviewing numerous witnesses who were present at the gathering. A significant number of shell casings were recovered, indicating a large volume of gunfire. Despite the extensive investigation and a public appeal for information, which included the offer of a financial reward for tips leading to an arrest, the case has remained a focus of the ongoing efforts of the Birmingham Police Department. As of the latest available information, no suspects have been publicly identified or arrested in connection with the murders of Bernard D. Watts Sr. and Diandra Young Johnson, and no convictions have been made. The case remains an active and open investigation as authorities continue to seek answers and justice for the victims and their families.
