Etowah County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting incident on Coats Bend Circle in rural Etowah County on January 28, 2025, at approximately 12:30 PM.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered an adult male and an adult female suffering from gunshot wounds. Deputies, along with fire department personnel and ambulance crews, performed lifesaving measures at the scene. One victim was airlifted to a Birmingham medical facility in critical condition,and later pronounced deceased, while the other was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Based on information gathered from the 911 call and evidence at the scene, deputies identified a potential suspect. With the assistance of Ashville, Steele, and Rainbow City Police Departments, the suspect was quickly detained.

At this time, the identities of the victims are being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Christopher Johnson, 38 Was arrested by the Etowah County Sheriff’s Department in relation to the killings.

There are no threats to the community. 

The Sheriff’s Office thanks the Coats Bend, Hokes Bluff, Ball Play Bend and Glencoe Fire Departments, AMED Ambulance Service, Survival Flight, Steele, Ashville, Rainbow City and the Gadsden Police Departments for their help and assistance. 

This remains an active investigation, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.