65-year-old convicted in killing of locksmith at Birmingham gas station during dispute over $200

A Jefferson County jury has returned a verdict of provocation manslaughter against 65-year-old Michael Kermit Murray, closing a case involving the 2023 fatal shooting of a local locksmith at a Birmingham gas station.

The Trial and Verdict

The trial, which began Monday before Jefferson County Circuit Judge Stephen Wallace, centered on the shooting death of 36-year-old Darnell Michael Puidokes. While Murray originally faced a murder charge, the jury delivered a conviction on the lesser charge of provocation manslaughter. Following the announcement of the verdict on Thursday, Murray was booked into the Jefferson County Jail; he had previously been out on bond throughout the legal proceedings.

Background of the Incident

The shooting death of a locksmith during a dispute over money occurred on February 11, 2023, at a Chevron station located on Bessemer Road. West Precinct officers were called to the scene at 6:10 p.m., where Puidokes was eventually pronounced dead at 6:26 p.m. Murray remained at the scene following the shooting and contacted 911.

Investigators determined that Puidokes, a locksmith who had been living in Birmingham, was hired by Murray for a service call. The pair traveled together to the Chevron so Murray could use an ATM to settle the $200 bill. According to testimony, a heated argument over the cost ensued, leading Puidokes to slap Murray, who then opened fire.

Defense and Prosecution

Murray, represented by attorney Emory Anthony, maintained throughout the trial that he acted in self-defense. "It was an event that should not have happened," Anthony stated following the verdict. "We wish there was a verdict of not guilty, but he was not convicted of murder so we have to be satisfied with the verdict of manslaughter."

Deputy District Attorneys Jessica Hebson and Mitchell Brisbon handled the prosecution of the case. As of Thursday, a date for sentencing had not yet been scheduled.

For more ongoing coverage of local legal proceedings, stay tuned to 205focus.com.