Bessemer, Alabama — A tragic shooting on Friday night has left the Bessemer community reeling and a family mourning the sudden and violent loss of 56-year-old Vincent Edwin Pritchard, a longtime resident of the city. The incident occurred just before midnight on July 12, 2025, in a residential home located in the 2400 block of 6th Avenue North, prompting an immediate and ongoing investigation by local law enforcement.
Pritchard was pronounced dead at the scene after Bessemer police officers and emergency personnel responded to reports of a shooting. The gunshot wound he sustained proved fatal, and despite their efforts, first responders could not save his life. The suspect, identified as 50-year-old Annie Sillimon, was arrested shortly after the incident and has since been charged with murder in connection with Pritchard’s death.
While investigators have yet to confirm the motive behind the shooting or the relationship between the victim and suspect, the event has sparked concern, sorrow, and questions among residents and loved ones alike. It also adds to a growing list of violent incidents in the Bessemer area, where community leaders and citizens alike continue to call for stronger intervention against gun-related crimes.
What Happened on 6th Avenue North?
The quiet residential neighborhood of 6th Avenue North was shattered by violence on Friday night when a 911 call alerted authorities to a possible shooting. Bessemer Police responded to the call around 11:00 p.m., arriving to find Vincent Pritchard deceased inside the home from an apparent gunshot wound.
According to officers on the scene, they secured the residence immediately and began processing the site for forensic evidence. The area was blocked off as crime scene investigators and detectives arrived to collect physical evidence, interview witnesses, and piece together the timeline of the deadly confrontation.
Annie Sillimon, age 50, was arrested on the scene without incident. She was taken into custody and later formally charged with murder. Authorities have not stated whether the shooting took place during an argument, whether alcohol or drugs were involved, or if the firearm used in the crime was legally registered.
The motive behind the killing is still under active investigation, and police have not confirmed if the incident was domestic in nature or if any prior criminal history existed between Sillimon and Pritchard. Officers are urging any individuals with knowledge of the incident or the events leading up to it to contact the Bessemer Police Department or Crime Stoppers anonymously.
Who Was Vincent Edwin Pritchard? A Life of Quiet Strength and Generosity
Vincent Edwin Pritchard was more than just a name in a police report. He was a father, brother, friend, and neighbor—a man known for his hard work, deep voice, and warm heart. Those who knew him say he was always willing to lend a helping hand, whether it was fixing a fence, offering a ride, or simply listening without judgment.
Born and raised in Jefferson County, Pritchard spent most of his adult life in Bessemer. He was employed for several years in construction and landscaping, where his hands helped build homes, patios, and gardens across the area. He took pride in his craft and in helping create beautiful spaces for others.
“He could do anything with a hammer and a vision,” said long-time friend Tyrone Jennings. “But what made Vincent special wasn’t just his work—it was how he treated people. Respectfully. Humbly. With heart.”
Vincent was also known for his love of music and barbecue. On weekends, neighbors say it wasn’t uncommon to hear soul classics playing from his porch as he grilled ribs or smoked brisket for his friends. He was the kind of man who remembered birthdays, checked in on his elders, and believed in second chances.
“He lived a quiet life, but he had a powerful presence,” said his sister, Wanda Pritchard-Moss. “He was the glue in our family. Now that glue is gone, and we don’t know how to hold the pieces together.”
The Arrest: Annie Sillimon Charged With Murder
Following the shooting, police moved quickly to detain and question the only suspect—Annie Sillimon, a 50-year-old woman also residing in Bessemer. She was taken into custody without resistance and later charged with murder.
Authorities have not yet disclosed whether the two knew each other personally, whether they were in a domestic relationship, or whether prior incidents had taken place between them. The public arrest affidavit remains sealed as the investigation unfolds.
Sillimon has not yet entered a plea, and no attorney of record has made a public statement on her behalf. She remains in custody at the Jefferson County Jail as of the latest report, and her initial court appearance is expected in the coming days.
Police Investigation Ongoing: Community Urged to Help
Bessemer Police say the investigation remains active and that they are committed to uncovering all the facts surrounding the incident. Forensic specialists have gathered evidence from the scene, including ballistics and potential surveillance footage from nearby homes or businesses.
“Cases like these are always heartbreaking for families and the community,” said Lt. Darrell Campbell, lead investigator on the case. “We want to be thorough, transparent, and swift in seeking justice for Mr. Pritchard.”
Officials are appealing to residents in the 6th Avenue North area to come forward with any information, no matter how minor it may seem. Whether they heard the altercation, saw unusual activity before the shooting, or have video surveillance footage from nearby homes, any detail could help bring clarity to the situation.
Shock and Sorrow Across Bessemer
In the hours following the news, grief spread throughout Bessemer and beyond. Many who knew Vincent were stunned that he could fall victim to such violence, especially in his own neighborhood.
“He wasn’t involved in the streets,” said local pastor Rev. Carl DeWitt, who had known Vincent since high school. “He wasn’t in the fast life. He was a man trying to live quietly and honestly. This shouldn’t have happened.”
Neighbors near the scene described hearing a loud bang but said they initially thought it might have been fireworks until sirens arrived minutes later.
“It was so sudden,” said one resident, who asked to remain anonymous. “One minute everything’s peaceful, and the next, the street is filled with police lights and caution tape.”
Family Speaks Out: “We Want Justice, But We Also Want Peace”
Vincent Pritchard’s family has broken their silence to thank the community for its outpouring of support and to call for a respectful and lawful resolution to the case.
“We are devastated. We are angry. But we are also determined not to let this violence define Vincent’s life,” the family wrote in a public statement. “He was more than how he died. He was a man who loved deeply, gave generously, and lived simply. We want justice, but we also want peace—for our family and our community.”
A GoFundMe has been launched to support funeral expenses and to help Vincent’s grandchildren, with whom he spent much of his free time. As of now, the campaign has raised over $7,000, with hundreds of comments from well-wishers and friends sharing condolences and memories.
Funeral and Memorial Services
Funeral services for Vincent Edwin Pritchard are scheduled to take place on Friday, July 18, at 1 p.m. at Shiloh Baptist Church in Bessemer, where Vincent occasionally attended Sunday services. A public viewing will be held the day before, Thursday, July 17, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Andrews Funeral Home.
He will be laid to rest at Valley Creek Cemetery, alongside his parents.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to local youth mentorship programs in Vincent’s honor—a cause he quietly supported during his life.
Conclusion: A City Reflects, A Family Mourns, and a Life is Honored
The death of Vincent Edwin Pritchard is a stark reminder of the devastating impact that gun violence continues to have on communities large and small. He was a man who built with his hands, loved with his heart, and gave more than he ever asked in return.
As Bessemer residents await more information and the legal system begins its process, one truth rings clear: Vincent’s life mattered. And those who loved him will not let him be remembered only for how he died, but for how he lived.