A drive-by shooting marred the wake of Akeem Bailey, the 17-year-old victim of knife crime, as mourners assembled at St Mary’s Church Hall in Lozells, Birmingham on February 24, 2023. Just as friends and family came together to honor Akeem's memory, the atmosphere turned chaotic when shots rang out from a stolen Nissan Quashai.
The terrifying incident resulted in injuries to several people. A 19-year-old man was shot in the chest, another man of the same age was struck in the left foot, and an 18-year-old suffered gunshot wounds to his right knee. A 14-year-old girl was also hurt as she was knocked over and trampled amid the panic as guests tried to flee the scene.
Authorities quickly apprehended the shooter, identified as Meshaq Berryman. Following the investigation, Berryman was found guilty on January 31, 2025, of three charges of attempted murder and was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 24 years.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, filled with confusion and fear, as the sound of gunfire shattered the solemn gathering. “People just started running,” shared one eyewitness. “It was absolute panic.”
The shooting highlighted the grim reality of violence, particularly connected to the knife crime epidemic plaguing Birmingham's youth. Police officials and community leaders expressed their concern over the persistent cycles of violence, especially impacting events meant to honor and reflect.
This tragic event, as painful as it is, reminds us of the deep scars left on communities affected by violence. It also raises pressing questions about the safety of community gatherings and the urgent need for measures to combat knife and gun crime.
The aftermath of Akeem Bailey's death only serves to underline the necessity for more comprehensive approaches to stopping youth violence. There are calls now for increased community initiatives and policing efforts to address these issues and create safer environments for residents.
Through the lens of this incident, the broader conversation about youth safety, gun control, and the root causes of violence continues to be spotlighted. Berryman’s sentencing may serve as one step toward justice, but for many, it is merely the beginning of grappling with the lasting effects of such tragedies.
The community mourns not only for Akeem but for those who witnessed this horror—a stark reminder of the need for dialogue and action against the underlying issues of violence and crime within cities. Let this serve as both a memory of loss and a rallying call for change, as communities unite to prevent future tragedies.