Late Monday night in Tuscaloosa, tragedy struck at the Woodlawn Manor Apartments on 1st Avenue when two sisters—a 20-year-old woman and her 16-year-old sibling—were killed and a 17-year-old boy was wounded in a violent outburst inside an apartment. Police responded at about 11:30 p.m. and found the two sisters fatally wounded and the teen boy injured but able to escape and seek help.
The sisters have been identified as 20-year-old Kaliyah Houston and her 16-year-old sister. According to investigators with the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit, the suspected gunman is 19-year-old Keshawn Jermichael Woods. Woods had been living in Houston’s apartment for several months, and during an argument Monday night he reportedly pulled out a handgun and began firing.
Inside the apartment at the time of the shooting, several very young children—including an infant—were present but fortunately were not harmed. The surviving 17-year-old victim managed to leave the scene and find assistance; he is expected to recover from his injuries. After the shots were fired, Woods fled on foot. A few hours later he was located and arrested by a task force of the U.S. Marshals Service. He is being held without bond on two counts of capital murder and one count of attempted murder.
The incident occurred at the Woodlawn Manor complex, an area where some residents had previously raised concerns about safety and past incidents. One neighbor recounted hearing gunshots and then seeing the flurry of emergency response. Local officials expressed deep sorrow over the event, calling it a “senseless and tragic” moment for the community, and pledged that the investigation is ongoing.
As investigators continue to review witness statements and evidence from the scene, the focus is on ensuring justice for Houston, her younger sister, and the wounded teen. The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit said more information will be released as the case progresses. In the meantime, the community grapples with the loss of two young lives and the ripple effect on families near and far.
For now, the names of the children present but unharmed have not been released, and the surviving teen’s name remains withheld due to his age. According to authorities, the investigation remains active and no motive beyond the argument has been officially disclosed.
The scene at 3820 1st Avenue has since drawn attention not only to this particular case, but also to broader concerns about housing safety, conflict resolution, and community support systems in the area. As the legal process unfolds, the hope is that care and answers follow so deep wounds begin to heal.
