In the early evening of June 1, 2024, a domestic dispute in Birmingham, Alabama, escalated to a fatal conclusion, ending the life of 32-year-old Jerry DeWayne Bailey. Bailey, a Black male, was discovered by Birmingham Police Department officers in a grassy area in the 3500 block of Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard North around 7:25 p.m., suffering from a gunshot wound.
Despite the immediate response from Birmingham Fire and Rescue, he was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The preliminary investigation pointed to a domestic altercation between Bailey and his girlfriend, 28-year-old Jamela Melton. During the course of the argument, Melton allegedly shot Bailey. Following the incident, Melton remained at the location and reportedly contacted 911 to report the shooting.
Authorities took Jamela Melton into custody at the scene without incident. After the case was presented to the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office, a warrant was issued for her arrest on a charge of capital murder. Melton was subsequently booked into the Jefferson County Jail, where she is being held without bond. Bailey's death marked the 55th homicide investigation in Birmingham for the year 2024.
