By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
A Birmingham man has pleaded guilty in the fatal shooting of another man at Railroad Park, bringing a measure of closure to a case that shocked the community.
D’Quan Arnes Wilson, 23, entered a guilty plea to murder on Monday in the 2023 shooting death of Morgan Tyree Martin, 28, just as his trial was set to begin before Jefferson County Circuit Judge Kandice Pickett. Under the terms of a plea agreement, Wilson was sentenced to 28 years in prison. He will receive credit for time already served since his arrest.
The shooting occurred around 8:50 p.m. on Sunday, July 23, 2023, at Railroad Park in the 1600 block of First Avenue South. Birmingham police officers working in and around the park reported hearing gunfire and quickly responded to the scene near the park’s pavilion area.
Authorities said the gunfire stemmed from an altercation between the two men. Martin was transported to UAB Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Wilson was taken into custody at the scene.
The case was prosecuted by Jefferson County Deputy District Attorney Lauren Breland, while Wilson was represented by defense attorney Rolando Rankin.
Beyond the tragic circumstances of his death, Martin was remembered as a gifted student, athlete, and professional. Raised in a military family, he excelled academically and athletically, later graduating from UAB in 2018 with a degree in Computer Information Systems. He completed internships with Mercedes-Benz and Regions Bank, and worked as a consultant for organizations including Children’s Hospital, Hibbett Sports, and Central Square Technologies.
Community members and loved ones continue to remember Martin for his dedication, intelligence, and promise.