Piedmont, AL – On December 31, 2022, at approximately 11:11 pm the Piedmont Police Department, Fire Department, and EMS were dispatched to the area of 4000 Old Piedmont Gadsden Hwy in response to a report of a shooting and a potential gunshot victim. Upon arrival the Piedmont Police Department located a 13-year-old juvenile (the family has requested that the victim’s name not be publicly released at this time) with a gunshot wound. After securing the scene medics and EMS entered the area and determined that the juvenile had succumbed to his injuries. During the course of the investigation detectives were able to learn that a physical altercation had taken place and ultimately a firearm was produced and discharged, striking the juvenile victim.
As the investigation continued a suspect was developed and investigators began a manhunt for Paul Joshua Baker, 19, of Piedmont. Baker was ultimately located in Cherokee County where he was taken into custody. Baker was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Calhoun County Jail where he was charged with Murder – Intentional and ordered to be held with no bond. The press released stated “This case is still under investigation and there will be no further information released at this time.”
Piedmont Police Chief, Nathan Johnson, stated that he was proud of his responding officers and investigators for quickly identifying and locating a suspect in this senseless loss of life.
If you have any information regarding this case, please contact the Piedmont Police Department at (256) 447-9091.
