21-year-old killed in Bessemer shooting identified

BESSEMER, Ala. ( WIAT ) — Bessemer police continue to search for a suspect after a deadly shooting at a factory Monday afternoon.

Police say the shooting happened in the parking lot of Engineered Plastics Components Inc. off Greenwood Parkway at around 3:45 p.m.

A man was transported from the scene to UAB Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Officers are searching for the suspect who fled the scene in a vehicle.

This homicide comes on the heels of the violent Labor Day weekend that stunned the Bessemer community.

Some people who live and work in the area say they’re more desensitized than shocked by this level of violence. Resident Gavin Gray says he usually feels safe in his neighborhood, but having a homicide happen so close to home is a bit unnerving.

“I’ve lived here for four years now so that’s just wild for me to hear,” Gray said. “World’s full of violence now, it’s pretty bad everywhere but I know we’ve got a lot of crime, especially on the other side of the city as well.”

Bessemer police say Monday’s fatal shooting was an isolated incident and don’t believe the public is in danger.

The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as 21-year-old James Sencer Bowen, Jr.

Anyone with information is asked to call BPD at 205-425-2411. You can also remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.

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