Five charged in killing of Pleasant Grove High School senior, wounding of best friend

By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS

(L-R): Algie Eugene Surrell Jr., Kavari Wells, and Ricco Wells are among five people charged in the Jan. 10 shooting that killed Pleasant Grove High School senior Brandon Campbell. Brandon Campbell, 18, was killed, and his best friend, Sam Slaughter, 17, was wounded in a Birmingham shooting. A vigil was held at Pleasant Grove High School in Campbell’s honor. (Birmingham City Jail)

Five people — including two adults and three teenagers — are facing charges in connection with the fatal shooting of an Alabama high school senior and the serious wounding of his longtime best friend, a crime that has shaken the Pleasant Grove community.

Authorities say Brandon Campbell, 18, a senior at Pleasant Grove High School, was killed in a Jan. 10 shooting that also left Sam Slaughter, 17, seriously injured. Police have not released a motive but say the teens were allegedly set up to be robbed.

Those charged include Algie Eugene Surrell Jr., 27; Kavari Wells, 19; Ricco Wells, 22; and two 17-year-olds, two of whom are juveniles. The three adult suspects are related, police said.

According to court records, Ricco Wells and one of the 17-year-olds are charged with capital murder and attempted murder. Surrell and Kavari Wells are charged with capital murder, while the second juvenile faces a felony murdercharge.

The shooting occurred just before 11 p.m. in the 1600 block of Woodland Avenue S.W. Investigators say Campbell and Slaughter had arranged to meet someone when multiple shots were fired into their vehicle.

Despite being wounded, Campbell was able to drive away in an attempt to reach a family member for help but crashed a short distance later. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Slaughter was taken to UAB Hospital, where he underwent surgery for multiple gunshot wounds and is expected to make a full recovery.

A vigil and balloon release were held Friday at Pleasant Grove High School, where students, staff, family members and friends gathered to honor Campbell’s life. Slaughter joined the vigil via FaceTime, allowing classmates to see and speak to him for the first time since the shooting.

Slaughter’s father urged students to make safe decisions and stay connected to trusted adults.

“I want the public to know my son is not some gang-affiliated person,” he said. “He’s smart, well-mannered, and loved by his teachers.” He described Campbell as “an amazing, bright kid with a future ahead of him” and said he is committed to raising awareness about the dangers young people face today.