Librian Jones Jr. Obituary: 24-Year-Old Killed in Shooting at Sawyerville “Class Day Out” Event; Suspect Karderrel Winn Wanted by ALEA (June 6, 2026)

A tight-knit rural community in Hale County, Alabama , is grappling with shock and grief after a 24-year-old man was shot and killed during a weekend community gathering—a celebration meant to bring joy and unity that instead ended in gunfire, a manhunt, and a grieving family demanding answers.

The victim has been identified as Librian Jones Jr. , 24, of nearby Greensboro, Alabama . Authorities have named Karderrel Winn as a suspect in the fatal shooting, which occurred around 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026 , during the annual “Class Day Out” event in the Sawyerville community. As of Thursday, June 11, Winn remains at large , and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) State Bureau of Investigation has joined local authorities in an intensive manhunt.

The shooting has sent a chill through Hale County —a predominantly rural, agricultural region in Alabama’s Black Belt known for its strong community bonds, historic churches, and family-owned farmland. For a community event to be shattered by violence is heartbreaking enough. For the killer to remain on the loose has left residents fearful and frustrated.

Details of the Shooting

According to Hale County Sheriff Michael Hamilton , who addressed reporters on Sunday morning and again on Tuesday, the shooting took place around 7:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time on Saturday, June 6, during the “Class Day Out” event—an annual community celebration that typically includes food, music, games, and fellowship, often drawing families from Sawyerville, Greensboro, Newbern, Moundville , and surrounding areas.

The event was being held near the 16000 block of Alabama Highway 14 , a long, two-lane highway that cuts through the heart of Hale County . Sheriff Hamilton was careful to clarify an important distinction: while the shooting occurred during the event, it did not take place inside the designated, organized venue area. Instead, the violence appears to have unfolded nearby—perhaps in a parking area, along a roadside, or in a peripheral space where attendees had gathered informally.

“We want to be clear that the organized event itself was not the scene of the shooting,” Sheriff Hamilton said. “The incident occurred outside the designated venue area, but it was absolutely connected to the event in terms of timing and the people present. Our hearts go out to the organizers and to all the families who were there to have a good time and instead witnessed a tragedy.”

Emergency responders were called to the scene after multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire. When Hale County Sheriff’s deputies arrived minutes later, they found a male victim—later identified as Librian Jones Jr. —suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Bystanders had attempted to render first aid, but the injuries were severe.

Jones was rushed by ambulance to Bibb Medical Center in Centreville , approximately 20 miles away, and then transferred to a trauma center in Tuscaloosa due to the severity of his injuries. Despite aggressive medical intervention, Librian Jones Jr. died early Sunday morning, June 7, surrounded by family members who had raced to the hospital upon hearing the news.

Officials confirmed that no one else was injured in the incident—a small mercy in what is otherwise an unspeakable tragedy.

The Suspect: Karderrel Winn Remains at Large

The Hale County Sheriff’s Office , working in conjunction with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) , has identified Karderrel Winn as a suspect in the fatal shooting. As of Thursday, June 11, Winn has not been apprehended.

Authorities have released limited information about Winn —including his age, last known address, or a physical description—citing the ongoing investigation and the need to protect witness safety. However, law enforcement sources confirm that Winn and Jones were known to each other, and the shooting does not appear to be a random act of violence.

Sheriff Michael Hamilton issued a plea to the public: “We are asking anyone who knows the whereabouts of Karderrel Winn to come forward immediately. Do not approach him. He is considered armed and dangerous. Contact the Hale County Sheriff’s Office or call 911. We are using every resource—local, state, and federal—to locate him and bring him into custody.”

The ALEA SBI has taken the lead on the investigation, a standard protocol in Alabama when a shooting occurs at or near a public gathering or when local resources are stretched. ALEA investigators have been canvassing the Sawyerville area, collecting surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses, and interviewing witnesses who were at the “Class Day Out” event.

A motive for the shooting remains unclear. Sheriff Hamilton declined to speculate, stating only that “the investigation is active and ongoing. We are following multiple leads. We ask for the public’s patience as we work to get justice for Librian Jones and his family.”

Who Was Librian Jones Jr.?

To reduce Librian Jones Jr. to a crime blotter entry—”24-year-old male, gunshot wounds, suspect at large”—would be to erase the vibrant, complicated, deeply loved human being who left behind a family shattered by his loss.

Born on August 14, 2001 , in Greensboro, Alabama , Librian Jones Jr. —known to friends and family as “LB” or “LJ”—grew up in the modest, close-knit neighborhoods of Hale County. He was the eldest son of Librian Jones Sr. and Tamika (nee Williams) Jones , both lifelong residents of Greensboro. Librian attended Greensboro Public Schools , graduating from Greensboro High School in 2019, where he was a standout on the football field and a beloved presence in the hallways.

Coach Derrick Franklin , who coached Librian in high school football, remembered him as a ferocious linebacker and an even gentler human being off the field. “Librian would hit you like a truck on Friday night. But on Monday morning, he’d be in the hallway helping a freshman find their classroom. He had that rare combination—tough when he needed to be, but soft-hearted. He called his grandmother every single day. Every day. That’s who he was.”

After high school, Librian attended Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa for two years, studying Automotive Technology. He eventually left college to help support his family, taking a job at a local auto repair shop in Greensboro , where he quickly earned a reputation as one of the most honest and skilled mechanics in the county.

Friends say Librian’s greatest joy was his 3-year-old daughter, Zuri Jones . He had a photo of her taped to the dashboard of his 2004 Chevrolet Tahoe, and he never missed a chance to show it off. “That little girl had him wrapped around her finger,” said Marcus Thompson , Librian’s best friend since childhood. “He would work a 10-hour shift and then go home and play tea party with her. Tea party. Librian Jones. A grown man having tea parties. That’s love.”

Tamika Jones , Librian’s mother, spoke to reporters through tears on Monday evening at the family’s home in Greensboro . “They took my baby. My firstborn. For what? Over what? What could possibly be worth a young man’s life? Librian wasn’t a gang member. He wasn’t a troublemaker. He was a father. A son. A brother. He fixed people’s cars for a fair price because he believed in helping his community. And now he’s gone.”

Librian Jones Sr. , a soft-spoken man who works at a lumber mill, added: “I raised my son to walk away from trouble. To de-escalate. To come home. Whatever happened at that event—I know my boy didn’t start it. I know it. And the person who did this—Karderrel Winn, or whatever his name is—needs to turn himself in. Not for us. For his own soul. Because running don’t bring nobody back.”

The “Class Day Out” Event: Community Celebration Turned Tragic

The “Class Day Out” event in Sawyerville is an annual tradition—a summer gathering organized by local volunteers, church groups, and community leaders to celebrate the end of the school year and to bring residents together in a positive, family-friendly environment. In past years, the event has featured bounce houses for children, barbecue cook-offs, live DJs, basketball tournaments, and even a small parade.

Sawyerville itself is an unincorporated community in Hale County , with a population of just over 900 people. It is the kind of place where everyone knows everyone, where front porches are for sitting, and where a shooting like this is almost unfathomable.

Reverend Jamesetta Poole , pastor of Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Sawyerville and one of the event’s organizers, was at the “Class Day Out” when the shooting occurred. She spoke to this news organization on Tuesday.

“We had over 300 people there. Families. Little kids running around with cotton candy. Teenagers playing spades. And then—pop, pop, pop. Three gunshots. People screaming, grabbing their children, running for their cars. It was chaos. Pure chaos. I saw a mother throw her body over her baby’s stroller. That’s the world we live in now.”

Rev. Poole confirmed that the shooting happened not inside the gated or designated event area, but in a nearby parking lot where people had gathered after leaving the main grounds. “I don’t know what the argument was about. I don’t know who said what. But I know this: no disagreement, no matter how heated, is worth a human life. Librian Jones died because someone chose a gun over peace. And that is a sin.”

Organizers have since canceled the remainder of the “Class Day Out” weekend events. A meeting of community leaders is scheduled for next week to discuss how to address violence and conflict resolution in future gatherings.

The Manhunt: Local and State Authorities Join Forces

The search for Karderrel Winn has intensified as days pass without an arrest. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has deployed its State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) , along with tactical resources, to assist the Hale County Sheriff’s Office.

ALEA Senior Trooper Reginald King provided a brief update on Wednesday: “We have reason to believe that Karderrel Winn may have left Hale County. We are coordinating with law enforcement in neighboring counties and across state lines if necessary. We urge anyone who sees Mr. Winn or has information on his whereabouts to contact law enforcement immediately. Do not approach him.”

Authorities have not released a vehicle description or any photographs of Winn at this time, citing the need to protect witness identities and preserve the integrity of the ongoing investigation. However, Sheriff Hamilton indicated that a warrant for Winn ‘s arrest has been issued, and charges are expected to include murder and possibly additional firearms-related offenses.

A crime scene reconstruction is underway, with ALEA forensic teams analyzing shell casings, bullet trajectories, and any available video footage from the area. Investigators are also examining cell phone records and social media activity in the hours leading up to the shooting.

Community Reaction: Fear, Frustration, and Calls for Peace

In the days since Librian Jones Jr. ‘s death, the Sawyerville and Greensboro communities have oscillated between grief, anger, and a determined resolve to prevent further violence.

On Monday evening, more than 200 people gathered for a candlelight vigil at Greensboro High School’s football stadium —the same field where Librian once played linebacker. Attendees held candles and white balloons as Pastor Michael Finney of Second Baptist Church led a prayer for the family, for the suspect, and for an end to the gun violence that plagues even rural Alabama.

Zuri Jones , Librian’s 3-year-old daughter, was not at the vigil. But her name was spoken dozens of times. “That little girl will grow up without her daddy,” said Alicia Jones , Librian’s cousin. “She won’t remember his laugh. She won’t remember how he smelled like motor oil and Old Spice. That is the real tragedy. That’s what gun violence does. It steals futures.”

Hale County Sheriff Michael Hamilton addressed the crowd: “I’ve worn this badge for 22 years. And every time I have to tell a mother that her son isn’t coming home, a piece of me dies. I promise you—I promise every one of you—we will not stop until Karderrel Winn is in custody. And I also promise you: we will work with community leaders to bring resources for conflict resolution, for mental health, for anger management. Because we cannot arrest our way out of this problem. We have to heal.”

How You Can Help

The Hale County Sheriff’s Office and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency urge anyone with information about the shooting death of Librian Jones Jr. or the whereabouts of Karderrel Winn to come forward.

· Hale County Sheriff’s Office : (334) 624-3081
· ALEA State Bureau of Investigation : (334) 353-1070
· Crime Stoppers : 1-833-AL-CRIME (1-833-252-7463) – Anonymous tips accepted.
· 911 for emergencies – Do not approach the suspect.

A GoFundMe campaign has been established by Librian Jones Jr. ‘s family to cover funeral expenses and to establish a trust fund for his daughter, Zuri . As of Thursday morning, the campaign had raised over $17,000 of its $30,000 goal.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Washington Funeral Home in Greensboro. Visitation is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, at Second Baptist Church , with a private burial to follow at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.

Conclusion: A Community’s Wound

Librian Jones Jr. was 24 years old. He was a father, a son, a mechanic, a linebacker, a tea-party player, a man who called his grandmother every day. He attended a community celebration meant to bring joy, and he never came home.

Now, Hale County waits—waits for an arrest, waits for justice, waits for answers to the question that haunts every senseless killing: Why? Why did a disagreement escalate to gunfire? Why did a 24-year-old man have to die? Why is his killer still free?

The answers may come in days or weeks. The manhunt continues. But for Tamika Jones , for Librian Jones Sr. , for little Zuri —the answers will never be enough. They will never bring back the son, the father, the friend they lost.

Librian Jones Jr. , born August 14, 2001, died June 7, 2026 (from injuries sustained June 6). May he rest in peace. May his daughter know his love through the stories told by those who remember. And may his community find the courage to choose peace over violence—not just in words, but in action.