Sonny Arrington & Carlton Allen—Two Lives Lost in Funeral Gathering Violence

The very definition of tragedy has been rewritten in Birmingham, Alabama, following the devastating murders of Sonny Arrington, 43, and Carlton Rufus Allen, 76. These two family pillars—a devoted father of seven and a respected grandfather—were brutally killed during a late-night domestic shooting. The immense pain of their passing is compounded by a fact that defies comprehension: the gunfire erupted at a family barbecue following the funeral of a relative who had also been murdered just one week prior. This community is left stunned by the successive waves of violence that have swept through one large, closely connected family.

The Unthinkable Betrayal: A Family Member Arrested

The shock in this case is not just the double homicide itself, but the nature of the alleged perpetrator. A 26-year-old woman, who is the niece and great-niece of the victims, has been arrested and charged with capital murder. The violence was indiscriminate, with investigators confirming that the number of shots fired was in the double digits, aimed into the apartment from outside while multiple family members, including a woman who was wounded, were inside. This betrayal of the family unit, turning a gathering meant for mourning into a scene of further devastation, is a wound that may never heal. As Officer Truman Fitzgerald stated, this is a profound tragedy for “one large, closely connected family.”

Seven Children Face a Cruel and Empty Holiday Season

The most heartbreaking fallout rests upon Sonny Arrington’s wife, Candace, and their seven children—two daughters and five sons. Sonny was described as a “kind and compassionate person who deeply loved his family,” and his sudden, violent absence leaves his children facing not just profound grief, but immense financial uncertainty, especially with the holidays rapidly approaching. The loss of a father, who had tirelessly worked to provide for his family, is an unfillable void. We must focus our compassion on this family, supporting Candace and the children as they face the difficult reality of moving forward without their devoted husband and father.

Honouring Two Souls: The Call for Enduring Support

We extend our deepest and most compassionate sympathies to the loved ones of Sonny Arrington and Carlton Rufus Allen. We honor the grandfather and the father by demanding justice and by ensuring that the survivors, especially the seven young children, receive the resources and care necessary to navigate this catastrophic loss.