Gag Order Issued Ahead of Trial in Tuscaloosa Murder Case

The case involves the 2020 shooting death of an Indiana University student

Apr. 14, 2026 at 11:37pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single bullet casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, creating a stark, gritty aesthetic that conceptually represents the investigative nature of this crime story.A stark, investigative image of physical evidence from the high-profile Tuscaloosa murder case.Tuscaloosa Today

A judge in Tuscaloosa, Alabama has issued a gag order in the murder case against Zachary Profozich, who is accused of fatally shooting 19-year-old Schuyler Bradley, an Indiana University student, in downtown Tuscaloosa in October 2020. The order prohibits attorneys, law enforcement, witnesses, and other parties from making public statements that could influence potential jurors or impact the proceedings. Jury selection is scheduled to begin on May 11, following the reassignment of the case to a new judge earlier this year.

Why it matters

The high-profile murder case has received significant media attention, prompting concerns about the potential impact of pretrial publicity on jury selection. The gag order is intended to ensure a fair trial by limiting public statements that could sway potential jurors.

The details

Profozich was charged with murder after the early morning altercation near University Boulevard that left Bradley dead. A civil wrongful death suit previously provided additional details, alleging that Profozich consumed alcohol at a local bar for over 7 hours before the incident and was visibly intoxicated when he left the bar and encountered Bradley and his friends on the sidewalk.

  • The shooting occurred in October 2020.
  • Jury selection is scheduled to begin on May 11, 2026.

The players

Zachary Profozich

The defendant charged with murder in the case.

Schuyler Bradley

The 19-year-old Indiana University student who was fatally shot in the incident.

Judge Allen May Jr.

The Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court judge who issued the gag order in the case.

Mary Turner

The defense attorney representing Profozich.

Judge Brad Almond

The longtime Circuit Court judge who previously presided over the case before his retirement.

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What’s next

Jury selection is currently scheduled to begin on Monday, May 11, following the reassignment of the case to Judge May earlier this year after the retirement of longtime Circuit Court Judge Brad Almond.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges of ensuring a fair trial in high-profile criminal cases, where extensive media coverage and public interest can potentially influence the jury selection process. The gag order is a legal tool used to mitigate these concerns and protect the integrity of the judicial proceedings.