The Incident at Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux
A devastating workplace shooting occurred on June 14, 2025, at approximately 1:47 p.m. at the Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux located on Tattersall Park Drive in Hoover, Alabama.
The incident involved two employees and resulted in the tragic death of an unborn child, while the expectant mother survived her injuries.
The victim, a 22-year-old pregnant employee who was approximately five months pregnant, sustained a gunshot wound to her abdomen.
She was transported to UAB Hospital by the Hoover Fire Department in stable condition and is expected to survive; however, her unborn child was killed.
The Suspect and Charges Filed
Melvin Crumble II, age 36 of Fairfield, has been identified as the suspect in the shooting and is currently facing serious criminal charges. Police have charged Crumble with manslaughter and assault in the second degree in connection with the incident.
Investigators have determined that the shooting was not intentional but resulted from Crumble recklessly handling his firearm in front of the victim. There was no evidence of an altercation between Crumble and the victim, police said.
Legal Analysis: Understanding the Manslaughter Charge
The charges against Crumble raise important questions about Alabama’s approach to unintentional deaths caused by reckless behavior. Attorney Roger Appell explained that whether the charge fits comes down to one critical factor: intent.
In Alabama, a manslaughter conviction carries a sentence of two to 20 years. However, if a firearm is used in the commission of the crime, the minimum prison sentence increases to 10 years. This enhanced penalty reflects the state’s recognition of the particular danger posed by firearms.
Legal experts note that in cases like this, “a jury could clearly come back with criminally negligent homicide,” as the distinction between manslaughter and lesser charges often depends on how the facts are presented and perceived by a jury.
The Investigation Process
During the investigation, detectives interviewed several witnesses and reviewed several items of evidence from the scene.
The thorough investigation was crucial in determining the appropriate charges, as prosecutors must prove the defendant’s actions met the legal standard for manslaughter rather than a lesser offense.
Crumble has been held in the Hoover City Jail since the shooting and is expected to be transferred from the Hoover jail to the Shelby County Jail on Monday, June 16.
Workplace Safety and Legal Implications
This tragic incident highlights several important legal considerations for Alabama businesses and employees:
- Workplace Firearm Policies: The case underscores the critical importance of clear workplace policies regarding firearms. Alabama businesses should review their employee handbooks and security protocols to address weapon possession on company property.
- Criminal vs. Civil Liability: While Crumble faces criminal charges, the incident may also give rise to civil lawsuits. The victim and her family may have grounds for personal injury claims, and there could be questions about employer liability for workplace safety.
- Fetal Death Statutes: Alabama law recognizes certain rights of unborn children, which can result in additional charges when harm occurs to a fetus during the commission of a crime.
Understanding these complex legal implications is essential for both employers and employees to protect their rights and ensure proper workplace safety measures are in place.
What This Means for Personal Injury Cases
For those facing similar tragic circumstances, several legal avenues may be available:
- Workplace Injury Claims: Victims of workplace violence may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, though Alabama’s workers’ compensation system has specific provisions for intentional acts.
- Third-Party Liability: When workplace injuries result from the criminal acts of co-workers, victims may have claims beyond workers’ compensation, including personal injury lawsuits against the perpetrator.
- Premises Liability: Depending on the circumstances, there may be questions about whether the employer had adequate security measures in place to prevent such incidents.
Navigating these various legal options requires experienced counsel who understands Alabama’s complex personal injury laws and can help victims pursue all available avenues for compensation.
The Path Forward
As the case moves through the legal system, it will be up to the courts—and possibly a jury—to determine whether the charge of manslaughter is appropriate or if a lesser or greater offense more accurately reflects what happened inside that restaurant.
This case serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly workplace situations can turn tragic and the complex legal ramifications that follow. For families affected by similar incidents, understanding your legal rights and options is crucial during such difficult times.
The experienced attorneys at Baxley Maniscalco understand the devastating impact of workplace injuries and violent crimes on Alabama families.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a workplace incident, we’re here to help you navigate the complex legal landscape and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a consultation.
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