Homicide detectives are investigating a self-defense claim in Tuesday night’s fatal shooting of Jamie Whitehead, 44, in the 600 block of Sylvan Street at the James Cayce Homes.
The man who committed the fatal shooting, Alcapone Branch, 26, lives in a nearby apartment. Branch reported that he and Whitehead had just returned from a store when Whitehead began verbally threatening him. According to a witness, Whitehead drew a gun first, prior to Branch drawing his weapon and firing. Whitehead was transported to a hospital where he died.
Branch fled before police arrived. When he was located, Branch said that he had discarded his gun behind an apartment building after he ran from the scene. It has not been recovered. No firearm was found on Whitehead’s person or at the scene. Before police arrived, a crowd of onlookers were seen leaning over Whitehead’s body. Detectives are investigating whether someone from the crowd may have removed a gun from the scene.
Branch is charged with felon in possession of a weapon and evidence tampering. The investigation into the fatal shooting is continuing and detectives will staff the final results with the District Attorney’s Office.
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Alcapone Branch, 26