Moody Police Sergeant Killed in Shooting at Super 8 Motel

A Moody police sergeant was shot and killed after responding to a call at the Super 8 motel.

Chief Thomas Hunt identified the slain officer as Sgt. Stephen Williams. Williams, a 50-year-old father of three, had been a police officer for 23 years, the last three of those at the Moody Police Department. He began his law enforcement career at the Bessemer Police Department.

Williams was a father of three, according to a Gofundme account set up for the family.

Hunt said Williams had just been promoted to sergeant in the past year and was a recipient of the Officer of the Year award in memory of Keith Turner, who was shot to death June 27, 1998 and was the last Moody officer killed in the line of duty.

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The shooting happened shortly before 9:30 p.m. at the motel on Moody Parkway. A medical helicopter was sent for Williams, but the officer was instead taken by ambulance to UAB Hospital.

Two suspects – a male and female – were taken into custody. Police had the motel where the officer was shot surrounded for hours.

Amar Fouda just moved into the Super 8 on U.S. 411. He said it was about 9:25 when he heard a lot of noise in Room 214, which is directly next to his room.

“I heard like an AK-47,’’ he said. Fouda said he ran into the bathroom and hid in the tub.

When he saw blue lights come on the scene, he looked outside. “I saw one of the officers, he was down,’’ Fouda said.

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Northern District of Alabama U.S. Attorney Jay Town released this statement: “Moody Police Sergeant Stephen Williams’ end of watch has come much too soon. Our condolences and prayers are with his family, friends, and fellow officers. His loss is a loss for all of Alabama. This serves as yet another heartbreaking and stark reminder of the perils encountered by law enforcement each day.”

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ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said, “We are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of yet another law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty. Sergeant Stephen Williams bravely committed 23 years of his life to protecting and serving his community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and fellow officers of the Moody Police Department. His service and sacrifice will never be forgotten as we mourn alongside the entire law enforcement community.”

Williams is the second Alabama police officer shot to death in the line of duty in 2020.

Kimberly police officer Nick O’Rear was fatally shot on Feb. 4 during a pursuit on Interstate 65 South.