Family of Bessemer shooting victim speak out after deadly Citgo gas station shooting

BESSEMER, Ala. (WIAT) — Bessemer Police Chief Michael Wood is calling for a change to Alabama’s gun laws after three shootings in four days left three dead and seven injured.

“Something that they believe is the way to solve problems is with a gun,” Wood said during a press conference Tuesday. “And that’s not the answer. You gotta talk it out and not shoot it out.”

Raukeem Cunningham, 20, is charged with capital murder in Friday night’s triple homicide at the Citgo gas station in Bessemer. He was out on bond at the time of the shooting.

During the press conference, police announced Willie Stokes III is charged with hindering prosecution in Friday’s shooting. Investigators are currently searching for two additional persons of interest.

The family of 41-year-old Jon Wesley Fowler, one of the men killed Friday, is devastated by the sudden and tragic loss.

Erika Baskerville said her cousin worked in management for Protective Life and had just sold his first house as a realtor. Now, his family is making funeral arrangements.

“I’m still in shock from getting the news Saturday morning,” she said. “It’s like we’re going through the motions but we’re definitely in shock.”

Fowler’s family believes he was an innocent bystander during the shooting, as he did not have any association with the other two victims. He also lived less than a mile from the gas station.

“He loved God, he loved his family, he loved Auburn football,” Baskerville said.

Anyone with information on any of the three shootings is urged to call CrimeStoppers at 205-254-7777. You can remain anonymous.

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