Murder Suspect Out on Bond Charged in Friday Murder in Tuscaloosa

Investigators in Tuscaloosa have charged one man with murder for the Friday killing of a 19-year-old woman who was fatally shot at Hay Court Apartments and are actively seeking a second suspect.

Tuscaloosa Police officers were called to the apartment complex just after 4 p.m. Friday, according to a a TPD spokeswoman.

Officers found the victim, 19-year-old Shania Robinson, with a gunshot wound to her head. The teenager was pronounced dead at the scene of the shooting.

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The case was turned over to the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit, who investigates all homicides and sex crimes in Tuscaloosa County.

After interviewing witnesses and collecting evidence all night Friday and throughout Saturday morning, the VCU was able to identify two young men who they believe are responsible for the killing.

One man, 18-year-old Deramus Harris, Jr., was arrested Saturday afternoon and charged with second-degree robbery and murder.

Captain Marty Sellers, the assistant commander of the VCU, said Harris was charged with murder back in February 2020 when he and four other young men exchanged gunfire on Fosters Ferry Road, leading to the death of 22-year-old Darrieon Dees.

Harris' bond for that case has been revoked, Sellers said.

The second suspect has not yet been taken into custody, but the VCU did not release his identity Saturday afternoon.

This marks the third shooting reported at the west Tuscaloosa apartment complex so far in 2021 and the second murder reported there in a one-month period.

A man was critically injured at the apartments in April during a shooting that eventually led to 24-year-old Octavious Ja'mikel White being charged with attempted murder.

Last month, 28-year-old Trevoris Sheppard died at an area hospital after he was shot at Hay Court. His killing remains unsolved, and no arrests have been made in that case.

Robinson's death marks the 19th homicide in the county this year.