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

A Jefferson County jury has reached a verdict in the case of Michael Kermit Murray, the 65-year-old man accused of killing a locksmith at a Birmingham gas station. On Thursday, jurors convicted Murray of provocation manslaughter regarding the 2023 shooting death of Darnell Michael Puidokes.

The Incident

The fatal encounter took place on February 11, 2023, at the Chevron station on Bessemer Road. Puidokes, 36, had been hired to perform a key service for Michael Kermit Murray. The pair traveled to the gas station so Murray could use an ATM to settle the $200 bill.

Investigators determined that a dispute over the payment price quickly escalated. According to reports, Puidokes slapped Murray, who subsequently shot the locksmith. West Precinct officers arrived at the scene at 6:10 p.m., but Puidokes was pronounced dead shortly after at 6:26 p.m. Murray remained on-site and alerted 911 following the incident.

Trial and Sentencing

The trial, presided over by Jefferson County Circuit Judge Stephen Wallace, began Monday. Murray had asserted a claim of self-defense throughout the proceedings. Defense attorney Emory Anthony noted that while the defense hoped for a not-guilty verdict, the conviction on the lesser charge of provocation manslaughter provided a measure of relief over the original murder charge.

"Two lives have been ruined because of the actions of both men," Anthony said following the verdict. "We are sorry for the death of the victim, but my client was acting in self-defense."

Deputy District Attorneys Jessica Hebson and Mitchell Brisbon handled the prosecution. Following his conviction, Murray was booked into the Jefferson County Jail. A date for his sentencing has not yet been set by the court.