Mobile County Circuit Judge Ben Brooks on Monday revoked the bond of Jamarcus Lawarren Grayson, a 24‑year‑old man from Prichard who faces charges stemming from two distinct shooting incidents. The decision means Grayson will remain incarcerated until his trial, scheduled for April 2024, related to the barbershop shooting.
Barbershop shooting in April 2024
Prosecutors allege Grayson was one of two men who opened fire inside a barbershop on Pleasant Valley Road in April 2024, wounding five patrons. The case resulted in a first‑degree assault charge against Grayson, while the other shooter, identified as Devon Deangelos Jeffery, was not initially charged.
Defense attorney Will Alford argues that Grayson acted in self‑defense, citing surveillance video that, according to Alford, shows Jeffery firing first. “As strong as I’ve ever seen,” Alford said of the self‑defense claim. He maintains that Grayson was the victim in the earlier Mobile County case and that the other individual initiated the gunfire.
Shooting at Spanish Fort bowling alley
Earlier this month, Grayson was involved in a separate incident at Eastern Shore Lanes, a bowling alley in Spanish Fort. Because Grayson was already under indictment for the barbershop case, he was prohibited from possessing a firearm at the time of the later shooting, a point Alford conceded.
According to Alford, surveillance footage shows Grayson and Gregory McDonald getting into a fistfight, after which Grayson’s gun fell to the floor. Grayson allegedly retrieved the weapon and left the scene. McDonald then allegedly obtained a gun from a table, pursued Grayson outside, and opened fire as Grayson walked toward his car, striking two vehicles.
Alford also noted that McDonald is a known associate of Jeffery, suggesting a pattern of conflict involving the same individuals.
Prosecutor’s response
Mobile County District Attorney Keith Blackwood acknowledged the ongoing disputes among the parties but emphasized that the bond revocation was appropriate given Grayson’s prior indictment and the seriousness of the charges. “Anytime someone is charged with an offense, and we can seek no bond based on any kind of prior bond or probation, we’re going to do that,” Blackwood said.
Blackwood added that the bond revocation ensures public safety while the case proceeds through the courts.
Other charges and pending matters
McDonald now faces two counts of shooting into an unoccupied vehicle, though his arraignment date has not yet been set. The earlier assault charge against Jeffery for a separate nightclub shooting on Joe Cain Day was later dropped after investigators determined he was not present at the scene.
The community remains attentive to the outcomes of these cases, which involve multiple incidents of gun violence within Mobile County. Local law‑enforcement officials continue to investigate and pursue charges as evidence develops.
What this means for residents
The revocation of Grayson’s bond underscores the county’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for violent conduct, especially when prior legal restrictions on firearm possession are in place. Residents are reminded to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to local authorities.
Original reporting: FOX10 WALA Mobile (news) — read the source article.