Security Guard Convicted of Killing Unarmed Man at Tuscaloosa Lounge

Belinda Little finally sees justice after a four-day trial for her son's murder

Mar. 17, 2026 at 11:01pm

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After a four-day trial, a jury convicted security guard Aaron Hill of killing Rashid Little in a January 2024 shooting at Cru Lounge in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Investigators had discovered that Hill and Little, who was unarmed, had been in an altercation at the lounge just before the shooting. Belinda Little, Rashid's mother, has been waiting two years for justice to be served and says she is relieved the trial is over, though the hardest part was reliving the moment her son was murdered.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of security guards using excessive force, especially against unarmed individuals. It also raises questions about safety and accountability at local businesses, as the Tuscaloosa City Council revoked the lounge's business license shortly after the shooting.

The details

After an altercation between security guard Aaron Hill and the unarmed Rashid Little at Cru Lounge in Tuscaloosa, Hill shot and killed Little. Investigators found that Little was unarmed during the incident. A jury has now convicted Hill of Little's murder after a four-day trial.

  • The shooting occurred in January 2024.
  • The trial took place over four days and concluded on March 17, 2026.
  • Belinda Little expects Hill to be sentenced within the next 45 days.

The players

Aaron Hill

The security guard who was convicted of killing Rashid Little.

Rashid Little

The unarmed man who was killed by security guard Aaron Hill at Cru Lounge in Tuscaloosa.

Belinda Little

Rashid Little's mother, who has been fighting for justice for her son's murder.

Cru Lounge

The Tuscaloosa lounge where the shooting took place, which had its business license revoked by the city council after the incident.

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What they’re saying

“My life is broken into pieces, and now I'm forced to put it back together without him.”

— Belinda Little, Rashid Little's mother

“He was multi-talented. He worked hard. He also, he was an excellent cook. He started sewing so that he could open his own boutique. He had already started that — sewing clothes — and that was something that he enjoyed. He had impeccable taste when it comes to the decorating.”

— Belinda Little, Rashid Little's mother

“Two years ago, he surprised me with a birthday trip to Las Vegas, and I had never been, never flown, and that was an experience. He kept me calm, kept me laughing and distracted me so I can get on that plane and go where we had to go, and we ended up having an awesome time.”

— Belinda Little, Rashid Little's mother

What’s next

Belinda Little said she expects Aaron Hill to be sentenced within the next 45 days.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing issue of security guards using excessive force, especially against unarmed individuals, and the need for greater accountability and safety measures at local businesses to prevent such tragedies from occurring.