In Birmingham, Alabama, on the evening of September 17, 2023, the life of 28-year-old TiMira Marchelle Pullom was tragically cut short. A mother to a young son, Pullom had decided to end her relationship with the child's father, Arkeem Tiyon Marshall, and had asked him to move out of her home. She had packed his belongings, signaling the end of their time together.
This decision, however, led to a devastating act of violence that would not only end her life but also forever alter the lives of her family.
In the moments leading up to her death, Pullom was on the phone with her mother, Valerie Pullom. During the call, she was shot by Marshall. The fatal shooting happened in the presence of their toddler son, who was just 17 months old at the time. After the shooting, Marshall fled the scene, leaving his son and the gravely wounded TiMira behind. Her family, upon receiving the distressing call, rushed to her home to a horrific scene. Their son was found on the bed, looking down at his mother.
Arkeem Tiyon Marshall was later arrested and charged with capital murder. The charge was elevated to capital because the crime was committed in the presence of their young child. During the trial, the evidence against him was overwhelming, and it took the jury in Jefferson County only 15 minutes to return a guilty verdict. Marshall admitted to the killing, stating to police that he 'just snapped' during an argument as he was waiting for a ride to leave.
The sentencing phase of the trial took an unusual turn when it was revealed that Arkeem Marshall, then 33, wanted the jury to sentence him to death. His defense attorneys stated that their client's desire for the death penalty was 'tantamount to suicide' and they did not argue for it on his behalf. Despite his wishes, the jury sentenced him to life in prison without the possibility of parole. During the proceedings, both Pullom's mother and Marshall became emotional, with Marshall expressing remorse, stating, 'I took her daughter from her, and I took my son's mama from him... She did not deserve it.' TiMira Pullom's mother is now left to raise her grandson, determined to instill in him the peaceful and kind-hearted nature that his mother was known for.
