Cameron Reynolds’ Sister Killed, Brother Shot in Autaugaville Attempted Carjacking, Suspect Kelmen Merrell King in Custody: A Tragic Night in Autauga County
AUTAUGAVILLE, AL – A horrific incident unfolded late Monday night in Autaugaville, Alabama, when siblings Cameron Reynolds and his sister were targeted during an attempted carjacking. The tragic event, which occurred near the intersection of Highway 14 and Pickett Street at around 11:40 p.m., left one victim dead and the other seriously wounded. The suspect, 27-year-old Kelmen Merrell King of Autaugaville, was taken into custody early Tuesday morning and faces serious charges, including murder and attempted murder.
A Horrifying Incident: The Events Leading Up to the Tragedy
The quiet, rural town of Autaugaville, typically known for its peaceful community, was shaken to its core on the night of March 31, 2025. Authorities have confirmed that Cameron Reynolds and his sister, whose identity is being withheld at this time due to privacy concerns, were targeted by an armed assailant in what is believed to have been an attempted carjacking.
The siblings were reportedly parked near the intersection of Highway 14 and Pickett Street when the suspect, later identified as Kelmen Merrell King, approached them. In an attempt to steal the vehicle, King allegedly opened fire on the victims. Cameron Reynolds, 25, was shot in the head, while his sister, a 24-year-old woman, was fatally struck and pronounced dead at the scene.
Emergency response teams quickly arrived, and Cameron Reynolds was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. As of the latest reports, he remains in critical condition, fighting for his life after suffering the devastating head injury. The authorities have yet to release detailed information about his current condition, but sources confirm that he is receiving intensive medical care.
Meanwhile, the tragic death of his sister has left the community in mourning. Those who knew her described her as a kind and compassionate individual who was deeply devoted to her family. “She was a sweet person, always there for her brother and anyone who needed her,” said a close family friend. “This senseless violence has taken an incredible toll on all of us.”
The Suspect: Kelmen Merrell King
Kelmen Merrell King, the 27-year-old suspect in the shooting, was arrested on the morning of April 1, 2025, in connection with the attack. King, a resident of Autaugaville, has a prior criminal record, and authorities are working to determine whether his background played a role in this horrific act of violence. The details of his previous criminal activity have not been fully disclosed, but sources indicate that King may have a history of violent behavior.
After the shooting, King fled the scene but was quickly located by law enforcement officers, who had already launched an intensive manhunt in the area. The authorities were able to apprehend King without further incident early the following morning. King was then taken into custody and transported to the Autauga County Jail, where he faces charges of murder for the death of the woman and attempted murder for the shooting of Cameron Reynolds.
Autauga County Sheriff Mark Harrell expressed his shock at the event, calling it a “senseless act of violence” that has deeply affected the local community. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families during this incredibly difficult time. This was a violent crime that has no place in our community,” Sheriff Harrell stated in a press conference held on Tuesday morning.
Community Reactions: Shock and Grief in Autaugaville
The news of the shooting sent ripples through the tight-knit community of Autaugaville, a small town located in Autauga County, Alabama. Local residents have described the tragedy as an unimaginable loss, and many are struggling to come to terms with the senseless violence that took place on their doorstep.
Residents gathered in local churches and community centers to offer support to the grieving family and to try to make sense of the event. Local pastor Reverend Johnathan Price, who has known the Reynolds family for many years, spoke out on behalf of the community, urging people to come together and support those affected by the tragedy. “This is a difficult time for our community, and we need to show strength and compassion to the victims and their loved ones. They need our support now more than ever.”
In the days following the incident, a makeshift memorial began to form at the site of the shooting, with flowers, candles, and messages of sympathy left by friends, family, and local residents. The memorial has become a focal point for mourning, as people gather to pay their respects and remember the life of the woman who lost her life in such a tragic manner.
Several community members have also taken to social media to express their shock and sadness, calling for justice and sending thoughts of healing to Cameron Reynolds as he fights for his life. “This is just so heartbreaking. I can’t believe something like this happened here. My heart goes out to Cameron and his family,” one resident posted on a local Facebook group.
The Investigation: Authorities Work to Uncover Motive
The Autauga County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, has launched an extensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attempted carjacking and shooting. Sheriff Mark Harrell emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that authorities are working tirelessly to determine the full extent of the events leading up to the tragic shooting.
While the motive for the attempted carjacking remains unclear, investigators are examining all possible leads, including the possibility that King was attempting to steal the vehicle out of desperation or for financial gain. “We are looking into all aspects of this case and will continue to pursue every lead to determine why this happened,” Sheriff Harrell stated.
Authorities have also confirmed that King will undergo a psychological evaluation to assess his mental state at the time of the shooting. This evaluation is standard practice in cases involving violent crime and could play a role in determining the charges and potential sentencing.
The Legal Process: What Happens Next for the Suspect
Kelmen Merrell King faces serious charges in connection with the shooting, including murder and attempted murder. Legal experts anticipate that King could face significant time behind bars if convicted, with a possible sentence of life in prison for the murder charge and additional time for the attempted murder of Cameron Reynolds.
At this stage, King has not entered a plea, and his defense attorney is expected to request a bond hearing in the coming days. However, given the gravity of the charges and the violent nature of the crime, it is likely that King will remain in custody without bond while awaiting trial.
In Alabama, a conviction for murder can carry a sentence of life in prison or even the death penalty, depending on the circumstances of the case and whether the crime was deemed to be especially heinous. Given the severity of the charges against King, the case is expected to draw significant attention from the local community, as well as from the broader legal and criminal justice community.
The Road to Healing: Family and Community Unite in Grief
As Cameron Reynolds continues to fight for his life, his family and the entire Autaugaville community are left grappling with the aftermath of the shooting. The loss of a beloved daughter and sister has left a profound impact on the Reynolds family, and they are now faced with the long and difficult road to healing.
Friends of the family have rallied around them, offering support in any way they can. Local organizations and churches have also pledged their assistance, providing resources for grief counseling and other forms of support during this challenging time. The community has shown an outpouring of compassion, and many people are working to ensure that the Reynolds family is not left to navigate this tragedy alone.
As for Cameron Reynolds, his road to recovery will likely be long and difficult. With a gunshot wound to the head, his prognosis remains uncertain, and medical professionals are carefully monitoring his condition. Family members and friends continue to pray for his recovery, holding on to hope that he will pull through and one day be able to heal from the physical and emotional wounds caused by this tragic event.
Conclusion: A Community Forever Changed
The shooting of Cameron Reynolds and his sister during an attempted carjacking has left an indelible mark on the town of Autaugaville. The loss of a young woman’s life and the injury of her brother have shaken the community to its core. As law enforcement officials continue their investigation and the legal process moves forward, the people of Autaugaville are left to mourn, support one another, and ultimately try to heal from this senseless act of violence.
The coming weeks will be crucial for both the Reynolds family and the local community as they navigate the aftermath of this tragedy. As the investigation unfolds and the legal process proceeds, the town remains united in its grief, hoping for justice and praying for Cameron Reynolds’ recovery.
