19-year-old, 13-year-old boy shot to death in Forestdale identified

FORESTDALE, Ala. (WBRC) - A 19-year-old and a 13-year-old boy were found shot to death in a crashed vehicle outside an apartment complex in Forestdale Monday evening, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office has identified the 13-year-old boy as Johnathan Keith Cottingham of Forestdale and the 19-year-old as Louis Craig IV of Birmingham.

Lt. Joni Money confirms deputies were called to the apartment complex in the 200 block of Chickasaw Drive in Forestdale Monday evening.

A third victim, also a teenager, was reported to have also been inside the vehicle. He was able to escape unharmed and ran to a nearby home for help.

No suspects are in custody. It appears the victims were targeted, according to the Jefferson Co. Sheriff’s Department.

Cottingham was a 6th grade student at Minor Middle School.

Dr. Walter Gonsoulin, Superintendent of Jefferson County Schools, released this statement:

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