Man convicted in deadly Birmingham home invasion that injured pregnant girlfriend: ‘It’s been a long 6 years’

A second suspect has been held accountable for the 2020 home invasion in Birmingham that claimed the life of Devonta Reddick and left his pregnant girlfriend fighting for her life.

A Jury Returns a Verdict

A Jefferson County jury has convicted 33-year-old Cameron Dejuan Blanding of felony murder in the Feb. 6, 2020, death of 27-year-old Devonta Reddick. Blanding was also found guilty of attempted murder for the shooting of Sabrea Baylor, who was eight months pregnant at the time of the attack. Baylor successfully delivered the couple’s baby just one day after the shooting.

Melvin Charles Morris, 46, was previously convicted for his role in the home invasion and is currently serving a life sentence. While both men were initially charged with capital murder during a burglary, the jury returned convictions on lesser charges.

A Night of Violence

The nightmare began in the early morning of Feb. 6, 2020, when two intruders forced their way into a home on Dogwood Lane. Awakened by the sound of the front door being broken down, Reddick and Baylor confronted the suspects, who shouted at them to "give it up."

What followed was a harrowing gun battle. Reddick attempted to defend the home, but he was fatally wounded and collapsed in the front yard. Baylor, who had retrieved her own firearm, returned fire and struck Morris in the neck. Despite being shot multiple times, Baylor managed to flee with their child to her grandparents’ house across the street.

The Investigation

The investigation stalled until Montgomery police flagged a man who arrived at Baptist Health South with a gunshot wound. That man was identified as Morris, who later provided conflicting accounts of the incident. Blanding, who was arrested following a police chase in March 2025, was tied to the scene through cell phone data and records showing he had been in contact with Morris. Forensic digital evidence, including deleted call logs and health data tracking movement, further placed Blanding at the scene of the crime.

A Long Road to Justice

Following the conclusion of the trial, which began June 8 before Jefferson County Circuit Judge Stephen Wallace, Baylor expressed her relief.

"It was a tough case, and it was designed for there to be no witnesses left alive," Baylor said. "I’m just grateful that God spared my life and my kids’ lives. It’s been a long six years of this."

Reddick, who attended Tarrant High School and worked in plastics fabrication, was remembered by his family as a dedicated father and a joyful presence. His sister, Karlisha Reddick, previously described him as a man who always kept the family together.

The prosecution was led by Deputy District Attorneys Charissa Henrichs, Tiffany Ould, and Mitchell Brisbon. Blanding was represented by attorney Yusuf Olufemi.