Montgomery Man Charged with First-Degree Assault After Shooting at Party Over Stepped-On Shoe
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MONTGOMERY, Ala. — A Montgomery man, identified as 31-year-old Marice Devonte Watkins, has been arrested and charged with first-degree assault following a violent shooting incident at a weekend party that reportedly began over a stepped-on shoe. The altercation took place around 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, at a residence located at 2269 East South Boulevard. According to court documents and witness statements, what began as a minor accidental misstep escalated into a life-threatening confrontation.
Authorities say the shooting occurred during a lively gathering that drew a sizable crowd. According to witnesses at the scene, the victim — whose name has not been released — accidentally stepped on Watkins’ foot while maneuvering through the crowded party. What was expected to be a harmless and often-overlooked social faux pas instead provoked a furious response from Watkins, who reportedly confronted the victim in an aggressive and hostile manner.
Words were exchanged, and tensions quickly escalated. Witnesses claim Watkins became increasingly irate, despite efforts from bystanders to de-escalate the situation. Moments later, Watkins allegedly pulled out a firearm and shot the victim at close range. The crowd scattered in panic as the gunfire rang out.
Montgomery Police and emergency responders arrived on the scene shortly after the shooting. The victim was found suffering from at least one gunshot wound and was rushed to a local hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. As of the latest reports, he remains in serious but stable condition.
Following a brief investigation and interviews with witnesses, police identified Watkins as the suspect. He was located and taken into custody without incident. He has since been formally charged with first-degree assault and booked into the Montgomery County Detention Facility, where he remains held on bond.
The incident has stirred strong reactions across the community, with many expressing disbelief that such extreme violence could erupt over something so seemingly trivial. “It’s heartbreaking and senseless,” said one neighbor. “People come together to have a good time, and now someone’s fighting for their life because of an accident.”
Legal experts note that first-degree assault in Alabama is a Class B felony and, if convicted, Watkins could face a lengthy prison sentence. The Montgomery Police Department has stated that the investigation is ongoing and that additional charges could be filed depending on the outcome of the victim’s medical condition and further evidence.
Community leaders are using the moment to call attention to the increasing number of altercations in the city that escalate into gun violence. “We have to do more to teach conflict resolution and de-escalation, especially among our youth and young adults,” said local activist Tanya Brooks. “There’s no reason someone should get shot at a party over something like this.”
The party’s host, who asked to remain anonymous, expressed deep regret over the incident, saying that safety was a top priority and that guests were screened at the door. “We never expected something like this to happen. It was supposed to be a fun night. Now someone is in the hospital, and lives have been forever changed.”
As the legal process moves forward, residents in Montgomery are left grappling with yet another reminder of the urgent need for stronger community engagement, emotional health support, and violence prevention initiatives. The city continues to work toward healing and addressing the underlying issues that lead to such preventable tragedies.