Mother Shot Holding Baby, Police Ask for Public's Help (VIDEO)
A young mother was shot while holding her 10-day-old son in Birmingham, Alabama, police have stated. Sherri Williams was killed after getting caught up in the crossfire between two men, who were having a violent argument. However, the victim's baby son survived.
Reports stated that Williams and another woman were standing in the doorway of an apartment, when a fight broke out between two men at a local store. The fight quickly escalated, and one man pulled out a gun and began to chase the other down the street; he fired his gun, causing a bullet to hit Williams while she was in the doorway, holding her baby. Williams was pronounced dead at the scene, while her son was completely unharmed.
Police made it clear that Williams was an innocent bystander who had nothing to do with the fight.
"She was not the target," Sgt. Johnny Williams Jr. told AL.com.
No one has been taken into custody, and police are asking for the public's help in locating the suspects. One suspect is described as a "black male in a white tank top" and the other is a "black female in a yellow shirt who is missing some braids," police said. They were last seen in a black Chrysler Sebring.
Police have asked anyone with information to call the Birmingham Police Homicide Unit at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
The public has reacted to the shooting with disbelief, sorrow, and gratitude that the infant was not hurt in the shooting.
"My heart goes out to this infant who will now have to live never knowing his mother and never again to experience the warm embrace and the inspiring effects of a genuine mother's love. Neither she [Williams] nor the infant deserved this tragic loss. Sincere prayers and sympathy for the family, friends and loved ones," posted AL.com reader nufocus.
"My prayers go out to her and her family," Huffington Post user grazer333 added.
Watch coverage of the incident HERE: