On a tragic Labor Day morning in Birmingham, Alabama, the life of 24-year-old Markiezia Deactrius Atkins was cut short in a senseless act of violence. On September 4, 2023, Atkins, a student at Miles College and a devoted mother, was fatally shot in a double homicide that also claimed the life of 33-year-old Chaveda Arreaiia Willis.
The initial shooting occurred around 2:37 a.m. at the Aria Restaurant & Lounge on 5th Avenue North.
In a harrowing turn of events, as Atkins, Willis, and three other injured individuals sought medical help at UAB Hospital, they were fired upon again in a drive-by shooting as they arrived at the emergency room. Atkins and Willis succumbed to their injuries at the hospital. Authorities believe the shooting was a targeted attack, though they have also stated that the victims were likely innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire.
The brazen nature of the shootings, particularly the second attack at the hospital, drew strong condemnation from city officials and the community. The incident prompted a lockdown of the UAB Hospital emergency room as police began their investigation.
As of late August 2024, nearly a year after the tragic deaths of Markiezia Atkins and Chaveda Willis, no arrests have been made in the case. The Birmingham Police Department has identified persons of interest but has appealed to the public for any information that could lead to an arrest. The families of both victims continue to await justice, grappling with the profound loss of their loved ones.
