Cousin's Accidental Gun Discharge Kills 22-Year-Old in Bessemer

Kortez Deshon Prince charged with reckless murder after shooting death of relative Carloss 'CJ' Sumpter Jr.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:09pm

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A 22-year-old man was shot and killed in Bessemer, Alabama when his 30-year-old cousin, Kortez Deshon Prince, accidentally discharged his gun while retrieving it from his waistband at a house party. Prince has been charged with reckless murder in the death of Carloss 'CJ' Sumpter Jr.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers of gun ownership and the need for greater education and safety measures around firearms, especially in social settings. It also underscores the devastating impact gun violence can have on close-knit communities.

The details

According to court records, the shooting occurred at 11:18 p.m. on Saturday in the 300 block of 30th Street South in Bessemer. Sumpter was found unresponsive in front of the home and pronounced dead at the scene at 11:48 p.m. Prince, who is Sumpter's cousin, was reportedly pulling out his gun because someone else at the party had also pulled a gun, and when he did so, he accidentally shot and killed Sumpter.

  • The shooting happened at 11:18 p.m. on Saturday, April 1, 2026.
  • Sumpter was pronounced dead at 11:48 p.m. on the same night.
  • Prince was booked into the Jefferson County Jail at 2:07 p.m. on Tuesday, April 4, 2026.

The players

Carloss 'CJ' Sumpter Jr.

A 22-year-old man who was shot and killed when his cousin's gun accidentally discharged.

Kortez Deshon Prince

The 30-year-old cousin of Carloss Sumpter Jr. who has been charged with reckless murder in Sumpter's death.

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What they’re saying

“'At just 22 years old, CJ's passing is not only a loss to his family, but to the entire community that now mourns him. No words can truly capture the pain that comes with losing a young life in such a violent and heartbreaking way.'”

— Cleo King, Bessemer City Councilman

“'To CJ's family and loved ones, please know that you are in my prayers. We stand with you in your grief, and we share in your sorrow. As a community, we must come together—not only to comfort one another—but to recommit ourselves to building safer, stronger environments where life is valued and protected.'”

— Cleo King, Bessemer City Councilman

“'CJ's life mattered. He will not be forgotten.'”

— Cleo King, Bessemer City Councilman

What’s next

A celebration of Carloss 'CJ' Sumpter Jr.'s life is set for noon on April 11 at Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for greater gun safety education and responsible ownership practices, especially in social settings where emotions can run high. It also highlights the devastating toll gun violence can take on close-knit communities, and the importance of coming together to support grieving families and work towards solutions that protect human life.