FBI Offers $10,000 Reward After First Arrest in West Tuscaloosa Block Party Shooting

On Saturday night a neighborhood celebration known as the Shacktown Reunion erupted into chaos when gunfire ripped through the block party in west Tuscaloosa. Authorities now believe the violence stemmed from a clash between rival groups, possibly gang‑related, rather than the gathering itself.

By Monday, Tuscaloosa’s Violent Crimes Unit announced that 23‑year‑old Keyontae Jones has been taken into custody. He faces seven counts of first‑degree assault – one charge was dropped after investigators determined a self‑identified victim wasn’t actually shot. Jones’s bond was set at $250,000 and he remains held without bond pending a hearing.

The shooting left seven confirmed victims, ages 12, 14, 17, 17, 18, 20 and 40. Two of the injured were still in the hospital on Monday, though their conditions had improved to “stable.” Police estimate that as many as 1,000 people drifted in and out of the party that evening, creating a massive crime scene that spanned several city blocks.

Law enforcement’s response was swift. A Tuscaloosa officer on the scene called for backup within seconds, prompting a coordinated effort involving the city police, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Metro Area Crime Center, the U.S. Marshals Service, FBI task forces, and even the department’s cyber unit and SWAT team.

FBI Birmingham Assistant Special Agent in Charge DeAnn Castillo confirmed the bureau’s involvement and announced a $10,000 reward for any tip that leads to the location, arrest and conviction of the remaining shooters. The FBI has also set up a digital tip line for photos, videos and social‑media posts that might help piece together what happened.

“People are often afraid to come forward because they fear retaliation,” Castillo said. “But without community help we can’t clean up these streets.” Captain Jack Kennedy of the Violent Crimes Unit echoed that sentiment, urging anyone who was at the party – witnesses, victims or even those who saw suspicious activity – to call the unit at (205) 464‑8690 or reach out to Crime Stoppers at (205) 752‑STOP.

The investigation remains active, and officials say they are still interviewing dozens of potential witnesses. As the case unfolds, the community hopes the reward and ongoing police work will bring answers and, ultimately, justice for the victims and their families.