What was supposed to be a quick snack stop for a busload of security guards on their way home to New Orleans turned into a deadly scene in the parking lot of a Bessemer Walmart on Monday. A fight on the parked charter bus left one person dead and at least two others wounded, rattling roughly 40 coworkers and prompting a multi-agency police response. A 35-year-old man was taken into custody at the scene, and the injured were rushed to hospitals in Birmingham.
What police say
Bessemer police say officers and firefighters were called around 1:13 p.m. to reports of a disturbance on the bus and found multiple people suffering from stab wounds, according to WBRC. The outlet reports that one victim was later pronounced dead and others were taken to UAB Hospital, including one person listed in critical condition. Sgt. C. Selman told reporters that tensions between two men had been "brewing for several hours, possibly days" before the attack.
Arrest and charges
Authorities arrested 35-year-old Pierre Seymour Eskew of New Orleans and have charged him with murder, two counts of attempted murder, three counts of menacing and second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana, according to WSFA. Investigators say the violence unfolded toward the back of the bus after one of the victims reboarded and encountered the suspect. Officials said Eskew is being held while detectives complete their review of the evidence.
Who was on the bus
The charter bus was carrying roughly 40 event security workers headed back to New Orleans after working the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee. The group included employees who reportedly worked for Fess Security, as reported by Tampa Free Press. After the stabbings, investigators dispatched a second charter bus to transport uninjured employees back to Louisiana. It was not immediately clear whether the security firm had issued a public comment.
Legal notes
Local prosecutors have filed murder and attempted-murder counts, and the suspect is being held without bond pending an Aniah's Law hearing, per reporting by WVTM. Authorities said additional charges or refinements could follow as detectives finish their review. The case will move through the county court system as investigators gather evidence and interview witnesses.
Next steps and how to help
Investigators said they are reviewing surveillance video and witness statements while medical teams at UAB continue to treat those hurt in the attack. The victim who died was identified by authorities as 22-year-old Darryel Sutton of New Orleans, according to WBRC. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Bessemer Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at (205) 481-4366.
