“Kayla, I’m dying and I love you.” These were the final words Stephen Morrow spoke to his wife after he was shot in the parking lot of a Walmart in Sumiton, Alabama. The gut-wrenching tragedy that has left a family grieving and a small community searching for answers.
The 46-year-old father was fatally shot by an 18-year-old teen on the night of June 3 outside the Walmart located about 25 miles northwest of Birmingham. He was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead, reports The NY Post.
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Father of One Killed Outside Alabama Walmart
According to authorities, the shooting happened shortly before 9 p.m. in the Walmart parking lot in Sumiton. Morrow was taken to UAB Hospital in Birmingham, where he was later pronounced dead.
His death has devastated his wife, Kayla Morrow, and their son, Elijah.
In a heartbreaking Facebook post, Kayla described the moment she realized she was losing her husband.
“Every time I close my eyes all I can see is the scene happening. His last words to me were:.. ‘Kayla, I’m dying and I love you,'” she wrote.
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Wife Shares Heartbreak After Tragic Loss
Kayla said the emotional impact of witnessing the shooting has been overwhelming. “This is the hardest thing I have ever had to witness. Elijah took it really hard. He’s doing okay at the moment. Seeing his little face wrecked me. Please continue praying for the Morrows.”
Her message drew support from friends, family members and strangers who expressed sympathy for the family.
Teen Arrested in Connection With Murder
The Sumiton Police Department announced that 18-year-old Timothy Braden Crawford has been arrested and charged in connection with Morrow’s death.
Authorities said Crawford is scheduled to appear in court for a bail hearing on June 9 and a preliminary hearing on June 16.
Investigators have not publicly disclosed whether Crawford and Morrow knew each other or what may have led to the fatal encounter.
Meanwhile, Morrow’s remains are being examined by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences as the investigation continues.
Nearby Workers Describe Chaotic Scene
The shooting occurred near local businesses, leaving employees in the area shaken. Tristan Pedraza, who works at a nearby Mexican restaurant, said the violence was especially alarming because incidents like this are uncommon in the community.
“It was just really scary, knowing that it happened right next door to where me and two of my coworkers were,” he said.
Pedraza explained that his manager’s wife had returned to the restaurant after forgetting her phone and unexpectedly found herself near the aftermath of the shooting.
“Our manager’s wife had left her phone so they were backing in to unlock the door to try to get her phone,” he said.
“When she opened her door, she heard two gunshots and saw the man collapse on the other side of the parking lot.”
Community Struggles to Understand What Happened
As investigators work to determine what led to the shooting, many local residents are still trying to make sense of the tragedy.
Pedraza said the incident has raised unsettling questions about how quickly violence can change lives.
“It makes me wonder like always going through the person’s head to do what they did and knowing that it can happen at any given moment with anyone is definitely scary,” he said.
The case has become a major topic of discussion in Sumiton, where residents say such violence is rare.
Remembered as a Devoted Husband and Father
Friends and family remember Stephen Morrow as a loving family man who cared deeply for his wife and son. According to his obituary, he enjoyed fishing, working on cars and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife, Kayla, and their son, Elijah.
A GoFundMe campaign created to help the family with funeral expenses described the devastating impact of the loss.
“Recently, her world was turned upside down when her husband, Stephen, was tragically shot and passed away,” the fundraising page states.
“Kayla is now left to navigate life as a single parent, facing not only overwhelming grief but also the financial challenges that come with such a sudden loss.”
As the investigation moves forward, loved ones say their focus remains on honoring Stephen Morrow’s memory and supporting the family he left behind.
