(PRICHARD, Ala.) July 5 - Family members say Clarence Risper and his cousin, Rogerette Douglas were trying to break up a fight between neighbors when a man pulled out a gun and started shooting.
Authorities have identified the gunman as Demetrius Welch.
Witnesses say Welch shot Risper, 31, in the head, then shot Douglass in the leg multiple times. Hospital officials say Douglass is listed in stable condition.
Family members say Risper and Welch live across the street from each other, and the neighbors were celebrating the Fourth of July when the argument started.
Risper's mother, Linda Risper, says her son was just trying to help and didn't deserve to die. She says her son and her nephew were trying to break up the fight. She says they were not hurting anybody, but they ended up being the ones that got hurt.
Authorities say Welch was taken to the hospital where he was treated for a gun shot wound to his hand and butt, but they have not released how he received the injuries.
Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the shooting.
Welch was booked into Mobile County Metro Jail. He is charged with murder.
