By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
A 17-year-old Pleasant Grove High School senior is facing a long road to recovery after being seriously wounded in a Birmingham shooting that claimed the life of his best friend.
Sam Slaughter was shot multiple times just before 11 p.m. Saturday while riding in a vehicle with 18-year-old Brandon McNeal Campbell, who did not survive the gunfire. The two had been close friends since grade school.
“He’s devastated,” said Sam’s father, also named Sam Slaughter. “They were ambushed. I don’t think they even saw it coming.”
According to Birmingham police, the teens had arranged to meet someone in the 1600 block of Woodland Avenue S.W.when an unknown suspect opened fire on their vehicle. Campbell managed to drive away but crashed a short distance away. No arrests have been made.
Sam was shot in the stomach and twice in the arm. He was transported to UAB Hospital, where he remains sedated and is undergoing additional surgeries.
“He’s doing extremely well considering what he’s been through,” his father said. “They’re giving his body time to heal, but it’s still a long road. Every day is a blessing.”
Slaughter described his son as a respectful, well-mannered student who is loved by teachers and peers alike, stressing that he was not involved in gangs or criminal activity.
Jefferson County Schools Superintendent Walter Gonsoulin said counseling services were made available at Pleasant Grove High School through the JEFCOED Cares team.
Pleasant Grove Mayor Yolanda Lawson also expressed condolences to Campbell’s family and prayers for Sam’s recovery, calling the shooting a tragedy that has deeply impacted the community.
“This could be anybody’s child,” Slaughter said. “Something has to be done about the violence. We’re living in a very dark time.”