Birmingham, Alabama, January 15, 2026
A 35-year-old woman is on trial for capital murder following a deadly altercation after a funeral in Birmingham, Alabama. The incident resulted in two fatalities and further injury to a family member. This tragic event highlights the repercussions of unresolved family disputes amidst mourning.
Birmingham, Alabama – Trial Underway Following Deadly Funeral Altercation
In a profound and tragic turn of events that further devastated a grieving family, a 35-year-old woman is now on trial for her life following an altercation that erupted after a funeral service in Birmingham, Alabama, on December 6, 2025. The incident led to the deaths of two of her relatives and left another injured, transforming a somber occasion into a scene of unspeakable violence. This legal proceeding marks a recent development in a case that has sent shockwaves through the local community, bringing to light the devastating consequences of unresolved family disputes.
Tragic Escalation After Funeral Service
The fatal confrontation unfolded at a relative’s home on 20th Place in Ensley, an area within Birmingham, shortly after family members had gathered to mourn a loved one who was murdered in Fairfield the previous week. As the evening progressed, an argument among family members escalated dramatically, culminating in a shooting around 11:30 p.m. on that Saturday night. Authorities believe the suspect fired shots into an apartment, striking three individuals.
The victims of the post-funeral violence have been identified as 76-year-old Carlton Allen of Birmingham and 43-year-old Sunonny Arrington, who had traveled from Clarksville, Tennessee, to attend the funeral. Carlton Allen was identified as the accused’s uncle, while Sunonny Arrington was described as her great-uncle and a father of seven. Both men tragically succumbed to their injuries. Additionally, the suspect’s sister was also shot during the incident but survived.
The individual accused of these grave acts is 35-year-old Jasmine Allen. She has been arrested and is currently being held in the Jefferson County Jail without bond, facing two capital murder charges and an additional charge of attempted murder. The ongoing trial seeks to determine responsibility for the double fatality and injury that compounded the family’s existing grief.
Devastating Impact on Grieving Family
The initial funeral service was held for a cousin who had been fatally shot in Fairfield. The subsequent violence at the post-funeral gathering has plunged the family into an even deeper state of sorrow and disbelief. The incident underscores the profound and far-reaching impact of violence, leaving a trail of loss that affects not only the direct victims but also the wider family and community. The atmosphere of mourning for one loss was tragically shattered by further bloodshed, creating an enduring trauma for those involved.
State-Level Support for Crime Victims
In light of such tragic events, the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Program (ACVCC) serves as a vital State-level resource for individuals and families impacted by violent crime. Established in 1987, this program aims to provide financial assistance to victims and their families for eligible expenses incurred as a direct result of criminal acts.
Program Coverage and Limitations
The Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Program offers coverage for a range of expenses, including medical care, psychiatric care, and rehabilitation of the victim. For families of homicide victims, the program also helps with funeral and burial costs, with a maximum award of up to $7,000 for incidents occurring between October 1, 2014, and July 8, 2020. For incidents on or after July 9, 2020, this maximum is $5,000. Victims who experience work loss due to the crime may receive compensation for lost wages, up to a maximum of $600 per week for 52 weeks. It is important to note that the program only pays for expenses not covered by other sources, such as insurance, and victims or claimants must not receive compensation from two sources. The maximum total award for an eligible claim is $20,000, though specific limitations apply to certain expense categories. Excluded from compensation are stolen property, property damage, checks, cash, and compensation for pain and suffering.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for assistance from the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Program, several requirements must be met. The crime must have been reported to law enforcement within 72 hours, unless good cause for delay can be provided in writing. A claim must be filed with the Commission within one year of the date of the death or injury upon which the claim is based, again with provisions for good cause in writing for late filings. The victim must have suffered serious personal injury or death as a direct result of a criminal act. Crucially, the victim or claimant must have cooperated with law enforcement officials, the prosecutor’s office, the courts, and the Commission. Furthermore, eligibility is contingent on the victim not having been the offender, an accomplice, or having encouraged or participated in the crime in any way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What was the primary event that led to the family fight?
- The family fight occurred after a funeral service for a loved one who was murdered in Fairfield.
- When and where did the deadly family fight take place?
- The deadly family fight took place on December 6, 2025, at a relative’s home on 20th Place in Ensley, Birmingham, Alabama, around 11:30 p.m.
- Who were the victims of the post-funeral violence?
- The victims were 76-year-old Carlton Allen of Birmingham and 43-year-old Sunonny Arrington from Clarksville, Tennessee. The accused’s sister was also injured.
- Who is accused in the post-funeral double homicide?
- 35-year-old Jasmine Allen is accused and is currently facing trial.
- What charges does Jasmine Allen face?
- Jasmine Allen faces two capital murder charges and a charge of attempted murder.
- What is the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Program?
- The Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Program (ACVCC) is a State-level resource providing financial assistance to victims of violent crime and their families for eligible expenses.
- What types of expenses does the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Program cover?
- The program covers medical care, psychiatric care, rehabilitation of the victim, funeral and burial costs, and lost wages due to the crime.
- What are the maximum limits for funeral expenses and lost wages under the program?
- For funeral and burial costs, the maximum award is up to $7,000 for incidents between October 1, 2014, and July 8, 2020, and up to $5,000 for incidents on or after July 9, 2020. Lost wages are compensated up to a maximum of $600 per week for 52 weeks.
- What are some key eligibility requirements for the compensation program?
- Key requirements include reporting the crime to law enforcement within 72 hours, filing a claim within one year, suffering serious personal injury or death from a criminal act, and cooperating with authorities.
Key Features of the Alabama Crime Victims Compensation Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Scope | State-level program for victims of violent crime in Alabama. |
| Eligible Expenses | Medical care, psychiatric care, rehabilitation of the victim, funeral and burial costs, lost wages. |
| Maximum Funeral Cost Coverage | Up to $7,000 (Oct 2014 – Jul 2020); up to $5,000 (after Jul 2020). |
| Maximum Lost Wages Coverage | Up to $600 per week for 52 weeks. |
| Overall Maximum Award | $20,000 (with limitations on specific expenses). |
| Exclusions | Stolen property, property damage, checks, cash, pain and suffering. |
| Reporting Deadline | Crime must be reported to law enforcement within 72 hours (exceptions for good cause). |
| Claim Filing Deadline | Within one year of the death or injury (exceptions for good cause). |
| Cooperation Requirement | Victim/claimant must cooperate with law enforcement and authorities. |
| No Double Compensation | Payments only for expenses not covered by other sources (e.g., insurance). |
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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.
