Teens Charged With Felony Murder for Killing During Tuscaloosa Gun Sale

Two juveniles are facing felony murder charges in the death of a 19-year-old Tuscaloosa man killed during what investigators say was a gun sale gone wrong last Thursday, according to the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit.

As the Thread previously reported, Kaleb Tyrone Rollins, 19, was found shot and killed in the roadway in the 5500 block of East 20th Avenue at approximately 12:30 a.m. on August 6.

The crime scene was in southeastern Tuscaloosa, off Jug Factory Road.

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According to VCU Commander Captain Jack Kennedy, witnesses and surveillance video helped investigators determine that Rollins approached a vehicle to buy a gun and passed money through an open window, but juveniles inside the vehicle attempted to leave without providing the weapon.

Kennedy said Rollins was dragged a short distance by the vehicle and then shot and killed by one of its occupants.

After a multi-day investigation, two juvenile males were arrested and charged as adults with felony murder. Both are being held at the Tuscaloosa County Jail without bond. Kennedy said the investigation is ongoing and additional suspects may face charges.

Under Alabama law, no identifying information about the juvenile defendants can be released.

Kennedy cited Alabama Act 2021-388, which prohibits law enforcement from publicly disclosing photographs, names or other personal identifying information for juveniles charged as adults, and bars their publication in any printed or electronic media.

By the count of Thread staff, Rollins' death is the 12th homicide the VCU has investigated in Tuscaloosa County in 2026.

For more exclusive coverage of crime and courts in West Alabama, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.