Birmingham police arrested 28-year-old Sarah Mitchell on Monday in connection with the shooting death of her former boyfriend, James Wilson, 32, at the Parkview Apartments on 4th Avenue North. The incident occurred around 2:15 PM on Easter Sunday when neighbors reported hearing multiple gunshots from Wilson’s third-floor apartment.

According to Detective Michael Roberts, Mitchell allegedly forced her way into Wilson’s residence during a family Easter gathering. Witnesses state she confronted Wilson about recent child custody disputes before drawing a concealed .38 caliber revolver.

During an Easter family gathering, Mitchell allegedly broke in, confronted Wilson over custody issues, then pulled out a hidden revolver.”

“The suspect fired three shots at close range, striking the victim twice in the chest and once in the abdomen,” Roberts said at yesterday’s press conference.

Wilson’s sister, who was present with her two children, called 911 immediately after the shooting. Emergency responders pronounced Wilson dead at the scene at 2:43 PM.

Mitchell fled in a silver Honda Civic but was apprehended the following morning at her mother’s residence in Hoover.

The Jefferson County District Attorney’s office has charged Mitchell with capital murder, which under Alabama law carries a potential death penalty due to the shooting occurring during a burglary.

“We’re pursuing capital charges because the suspect broke into the victim’s home with the apparent intent to commit a violent crime,” stated District Attorney Rachel Thompson.

Court records disclose Wilson had recently been granted primary custody of the couple’s 6-year-old daughter. Mitchell had filed multiple complaints about the custody arrangement in the weeks leading up to the shooting. The child wasn’t present during the incident.

Mitchell is being held without bond at the Jefferson County Jail. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 28th.

Police recovered the suspected murder weapon from a dumpster behind a convenience store on Valley Avenue, and ballistics tests are pending. Investigators are reviewing security camera footage from the apartment complex and gathering additional witness statements from residents who were present during the Easter Sunday gathering.