Family and friends are mourning the weekend killing of a real estate agent who they said was an innocent bystander caught in deadly gunfire at a Bessemer gas station near his home.
Wesley Fowler Jr., 41, was one of three men shot to death Friday night when someone opened fire at the Citgo on Fourth Avenue North.
Raukeem Cunningham, 20, is charged with capital murder in Bessemer’s first triple homicide in recent memory.
“It’s unreal.” The shooting happened shortly after 11:30 p.m. Friday at the Citgo at 200 Fourth Avenue.
Those close to him affectionately called him “Jon Jon” said he was outgoing, bubbly and had a contagious – and distinct- laugh.
He was really just getting started.” Fowler, she said, will be remembered for his kind heart and his open mind.
“He was like an angel on earth.” There has been an outpouring of grief on social media following his slaying.
I have never known someone more genuine than Wesley Fowler,’’ one man wrote.
“We are all frozen as if we don’t have words…and that’s because we don’t,’’ another man wrote.
The determination.” “All of these and more are descriptions of our beloved friend and brother,’’ he went on to write.
A real estate agent was shot and killed over the weekend at a Bessemer gas station close to his home. According to his family and friends, the agent was an innocent bystander.
Wesley Fowler, Jr. fired Friday night at the Citgo on Fourth Avenue North, killing three men, including 41.
Additionally, Ronald Dixon Jr. and 25-year-old Christopher Eddins were slain. 20, 20.
In Bessemer, the first triple homicide in recent memory, 20-year-old Raukeem Cunningham is accused of capital murder. Despite not naming the target or speculating on a potential motive, police claimed the shooting was targeted.
Fowler was employed as a realtor and at Protective Life. In the days leading up to his death, he had just sold his first house.
Erika Baskerville, his cousin, said, “We’re devastated.”. It’s inconceivable. “.
The shooting took place not long after 11:30 p.m. me. This Friday, 200 Fourth Avenue is the Citgo. At the scene, the three victims were pronounced deceased.
Det. According to Justin Burmeister, the parking lot is where the shooting began. At least some of the victims were pursued inside the store by the shooter or shooters, who then opened fire.
Less than a mile separated Fowler from the store, and according to his family, he had just stopped to pick up something when he was hit by bullets intended for someone else.
“He was not in the right place at the right time,” Baskerville stated.
After graduating from Erwin High School, Fowler attended Alabama A&M.
His friends and family referred to him as “Jon Jon” with affection, describing him as gregarious, vivacious, and endearing with a unique laugh. He loved Bossy, his dog.
According to Baskerville, “He was just a great guy overall, very family oriented.”.
Fowler had a bright future, according to his cousin.
“With real estate, he had numerous objectives. Baskerville stated, “He had a great deal of potential.”. “I regret that the potential was not realized sooner. It was truly amazing.”. He was only getting started, really. “.
She mentioned that Fowler would be cherished for his generosity and receptivity.
“When Wesley walked into the room, you knew,” she remarked. “He resembled an angel on our planet.”. “.
Following his death, there has been a social media outpouring of grief.
“It hurts, this one.”. One man wrote, “I have never known someone more genuine than Wesley Fowler.”. “Ever smiling, the life of the party whenever I saw him, and genuinely happy to see me whenever we crossed paths. “.
In his writing, he said, “Birmingham lost an amazing man.”.
Another guy wrote, “We are all frozen as if we don’t have words…and that’s because we don’t.”. The chuckles. The snark. The instances. The assistance. the generosity. The decision. “.
“These and many more are portraits of our cherished companion and sibling,” he continued. “I’ve discovered that people will forget what you said and do, but they won’t forget how you made them feel,” Dr. Maya Angelou once stated. We are grateful to Jon Wesley for making us feel loved. Never stopped loving. “.
