In the fall of 2023, the life of 24-year-old Briantez Tramaine Vinson was tragically cut short in his hometown of Gadsden, Alabama. On the night of Friday, October 27th, police were called to the Fresh Value at Canterbury Station on West Meighan Boulevard around 9:29 p.m. following reports of a shooting. In the parking lot, they discovered Vinson on the ground with a gunshot wound to his head; he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Briantez, a Gadsden native and 2017 graduate of Gadsden
City High School, was known by friends and family for his love of basketball and the video game 'Call of Duty.' His passions were his family, friends, and his work. He was remembered as a man with a big, infectious smile who was always willing to help others.
Within 36 hours of the fatal shooting, Gadsden police detectives were able to identify and apprehend a suspect. D'amon Johnson, a 21-year-old resident of Gadsden, was arrested and subsequently charged with murder in connection with Vinson's death. Johnson is being held without bond in the Etowah County Jail. While an arrest has been made, a motive for the shooting has not been disclosed by authorities.
