In the late summer of 2024, the community of Selma, Alabama, was shaken by the tragic death of 16-year-old AuTerrious Walter, a Black male known affectionately as 'Bug.' On the evening of Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at approximately 9:40 p.m., a drive-by shooting occurred at the intersection of Citizens Parkway and Woodrow Avenue. First responders arrived at the scene to find the young man with a critical gunshot wound to the head.
AuTerrious was initially rushed to Vaughan Regional
Medical Center in Selma for immediate care. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was quickly airlifted to UAB Hospital in Birmingham for more advanced treatment. For two days, he fought for his life, but tragically succumbed to his injuries on Friday, August 23, 2024. His passing was a profound loss to his family and the community.
A sophomore at Selma High School, AuTerrious was remembered as a 'bright and promising' student with a great deal of potential. His death prompted an outpouring of grief from his classmates, teachers, and school administrators, who made counseling services available to help students cope with the loss. The wider Selma community also came together, holding unity events and prayer services to honor his memory and to call for an end to the teen gun violence that has plagued the city. His funeral was held on August 31, 2024, at the Tabernacle of Praise Church, and he was laid to rest at Serenity Memorial Gardens.
The Selma Police Department launched an investigation into the homicide. Detectives canvassed the area of the shooting, speaking with residents and local businesses in an effort to find any witnesses or gather evidence. Despite their ongoing efforts, no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting, and police have not publicly identified any suspects in the case. The investigation remains active as authorities continue to seek justice for AuTerrious Walter and his family.
