Autistic teen shot man to death with gun he got for his birthday after argument in an Alabama Walmart

A Walker County judge has set bond for an 18-year-old murder suspect, even as harrowing new details emerge regarding the shooting death of a 46-year-old husband and father. Timothy “Braden” Crawford stands charged in the slaying of Stephen Justus “Fro” Morrow, who tragically passed away after telling his wife, “Kayla, I’m dying and I love you.”

The Hearing

Crawford appeared before Judge Henry Allred on Tuesday for an Aniah’s Law hearing. Prosecutors paint a picture of a deadly escalation that began with a minor incident inside a Walmart. According to authorities, Crawford became incensed after Morrow bumped into the teen's 17-year-old friend with a shopping cart. While friends reportedly urged him to let it go, prosecutors allege Crawford stalked the couple as they attempted to leave the area.

The Conflict

The sequence of events was documented in court, revealing that the fatal confrontation occurred roughly 29 minutes after the initial aisle #23 dispute. Sumiton Assistant Police Chief Chris Lollar testified that video evidence shows Crawford following Morrow’s vehicle, at times driving with his headlights off and revving his engine. The pursuit ended at a Los Reyes Mexican restaurant parking lot on Highway 78.

Defense attorneys claim Crawford acted in self-defense, alleging Morrow approached the truck and smashed the passenger window before attempting to climb inside. It was then that Crawford fired the .9 mm handgun—a weapon his father, Timothy Crawford, admitted gifting the teen for his 18th birthday.

Court Outcome

Judge Allred granted a $250,000 cash bond, stipulating that if released, Crawford must remain under home confinement and will be barred from social media and firearm access. The suspect’s father testified that his son, who has been diagnosed with high-functioning autism and dyslexia, was “scared absolutely to death” following the encounter.

During the proceedings, Deputy District Attorney Bryan Warren questioned the father’s ability to supervise the teen, noting that he was not under control on the night of the incident. Timothy “Braden” Crawford remains the primary subject in a case that has deeply impacted the community, with funeral services for Morrow held just one day prior to the hearing.