Birmingham, Alabama, January 17, 2026
In Birmingham, Alabama, five individuals have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of Brandon McNeal Campbell, an 18-year-old senior at Pleasant Grove High School. The incident, which also injured his best friend Sam Slaughter, has left the community in shock. Campbell’s heroic actions during the ambush likely saved Slaughter’s life, as he managed to drive away despite his injuries. The school district is offering counseling services to support students affected by the tragedy.
Birmingham: Five Arrested in Connection with Fatal Shooting of High School Senior
Birmingham, Alabama – Five individuals have been arrested in connection with a tragic shooting that resulted in the death of an 18-year-old high school student and left another injured. The incident, which led to the passing of Brandon McNeal Campbell, a senior at Pleasant Grove High School, has deeply affected the local community. These arrests come after an investigation into the deadly shooting that occurred earlier this month.
Details of the Incident
The fatal shooting took place on Saturday, January 10, 2026, just before 11 p.m.. Brandon McNeal Campbell, aged 18, and his 17-year-old best friend, Sam Slaughter, were both seniors at Pleasant Grove High School when they were involved in the incident. The two teens had reportedly arranged to meet someone in the 1600 block of Woodland Avenue S.W. in Birmingham when an unknown suspect opened fire on their vehicle.
Following the gunfire, Campbell, who was driving, managed to drive a short distance away from the scene despite his injuries, but subsequently crashed the vehicle. Both Campbell and Slaughter were found suffering from gunshot wounds and were transported to a hospital. Tragically, Campbell was pronounced dead. Sam Slaughter sustained multiple gunshot wounds, including to his stomach and twice in his arm. He was then transported to UAB Hospital, where he remains sedated and is undergoing additional surgeries.
Victims’ Plight and a Heroic Act
The loss of Brandon McNeal Campbell has brought immense grief to his family and the Pleasant Grove community. Sam Slaughter’s parents have publicly expressed their profound gratitude, hailing Campbell as a hero for his actions during the shooting. They believe that despite his own fatal injuries, Campbell’s effort to drive away from the ambush likely saved their son’s life. The two friends had been inseparable since grade school, sharing a bond that was described as closer than brothers. Slaughter’s recovery is expected to be a long and challenging journey, but his family is thankful for his survival. He is scheduled for further surgery.
Community Impact and Support
The shooting has sent shockwaves through Pleasant Grove High School and the entire Jefferson County Schools district. In response to the tragedy, counseling services have been made available at Pleasant Grove High School through the JEFCOED Cares team to support students and staff coping with the trauma. Jefferson County Schools Superintendent Dr. Walter Gonsoulin expressed condolences to Campbell’s family and offered prayers for Slaughter’s recovery, affirming the school system’s commitment to supporting both families and the high school community. Pleasant Grove Mayor Yolanda Lawson also extended her condolences, highlighting the deep impact the incident has had on the community and calling for an end to the rising violence.
Ongoing Investigation
The Birmingham Police Department continues its comprehensive investigation into the shooting. While initial reports indicated that no arrests had been made for some time after the incident, recent updates confirm that five individuals have now been arrested in connection with the case. Authorities urge anyone with further information that could aid the investigation to contact the Birmingham Police Department or Crime Stoppers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people have been arrested in connection with the shooting?
Five individuals have been arrested in connection with the shooting that tragically resulted in the death of 18-year-old Pleasant Grove High School student, Brandon McNeal Campbell, and left another student injured.
Who were the victims of the shooting?
The victims were 18-year-old Brandon McNeal Campbell, who tragically died, and his 17-year-old best friend, Sam Slaughter, who was injured.
When and where did the shooting occur?
The shooting occurred on Saturday, January 10, 2026, just before 11 p.m. in the 1600 block of Woodland Avenue S.W. in Birmingham, Alabama.
What was the condition of the injured student?
Sam Slaughter sustained multiple gunshot wounds, including to his stomach and twice in his arm, and is currently recovering at UAB Hospital, undergoing additional surgeries.
How has the community responded to the shooting?
The incident has deeply affected the Pleasant Grove community and Jefferson County Schools, with counseling services made available at Pleasant Grove High School. The Superintendent and Mayor have offered condolences and prayers.
Key Features of the Pleasant Grove High School Shooting Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | Saturday, January 10, 2026, just before 11 p.m. |
| Location | 1600 block of Woodland Avenue S.W., Birmingham, Alabama |
| Deceased Victim | Brandon McNeal Campbell, 18, Pleasant Grove High School senior |
| Injured Victim | Sam Slaughter, 17, Pleasant Grove High School senior |
| Current Status of Arrests | Five individuals arrested |
| Victim Relationship | Best friends since grade school |
| Injuries to Surviving Victim | Multiple gunshot wounds (stomach, arm), undergoing surgeries |
| Community Support | Counseling services at Pleasant Grove High School, condolences from school officials and mayor |
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Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
