MONTGOMERY, AL — A tragic shooting has shaken the Montgomery community after a 15-year-old boy, Brantley Lee, was found shot to death in broad daylight on Thursday afternoon, near Air Base Boulevard and Gibbs Village.
Montgomery Police and fire medics were dispatched to the scene at approximately 2:30 p.m. after receiving emergency calls about gunfire in the area. Officers arrived to find Brantley lying motionless near a gray Honda sedan, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Despite life-saving efforts, the teen was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have confirmed the case is now officially being investigated as a homicide. As of Friday morning, no arrests have been made, and the circumstances leading up to the shooting remain unclear. Investigators are continuing to gather evidence and canvass the area for witnesses.
A Community in Shock
The incident occurred in a densely populated neighborhood near public housing and community centers, raising alarms about increasing youth violence in Montgomery. Residents reported hearing multiple gunshots and described the immediate aftermath as chaotic.
“He was just a kid,” said a local resident who asked to remain anonymous. “We saw the police cars and tape and just hoped it wasn’t someone we knew. It’s heartbreaking.”
Several residents near Gibbs Village expressed frustration, fear, and sorrow following the incident. “This has to stop,” said another neighbor. “Children are dying in the streets and families are being destroyed.”
Who Was Brantley Lee?
Friends and community members describe Brantley as a soft-spoken and respectful young man with dreams of becoming a mechanic. He was reportedly walking home from a friend’s house when the shooting occurred. Loved ones say he enjoyed working on bikes and spending time with his younger cousins.
“He never looked for trouble,” said a family friend. “He was just a kid, full of potential.”
Investigation Ongoing
Detectives are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has surveillance footage from the area to come forward. Authorities are particularly interested in tracking down any vehicles seen fleeing the area around the time of the shooting.
“We need the community’s help,” a Montgomery Police spokesperson said. “Even the smallest piece of information could lead us to the person or persons responsible for taking this young life.”
Citizens can report tips anonymously to CrimeStoppers at 1-800-392-7867 or submit them via the Montgomery PD Tip Line at (334) 625-2831.
A Growing Crisis
This is not the first shooting involving a teen in Montgomery in recent months, raising concerns among city officials and residents about the increasing accessibility of firearms and the lack of youth intervention programs.
Local leaders are calling for a renewed focus on community-based violence prevention, stronger neighborhood engagement, and expanded afterschool opportunities.
“This cannot become the norm,” said a city council member. “Every child deserves to grow up safe, to dream, and to thrive. Brantley Lee deserved better.”
REMEMBERING BRANTLEY LEE (2009–2025)
- Age: 15
- Described as kind, mechanically gifted, and family-oriented
- Survived by his mother, three siblings, and grandparents
A candlelight vigil is being planned by friends and relatives for this weekend at a nearby park, where the community will gather to honor his memory and demand justice.