BIRMINGHAM, AL – Melvin Charles Morris, 46, has been sentenced to two consecutive life sentences for murdering a man and severely wounding his pregnant girlfriend during a home invasion in Birmingham, Alabama. The crimes occurred over five years ago, leaving a family devastated and a mother fighting for her life just a day before giving birth.
Home Invasion Turns Deadly
On February 6, 2020, Devonta Reddick and his girlfriend, Sabrea Baylor, along with their 3-year-old child, were asleep in their home on Dogwood Lane. Around 6:30 a.m., Morris, along with at least one accomplice, forced entry into the residence, according to authorities.
Testimony during the trial revealed a terrifying sequence of events. Reddick charged at the intruders, and Baylor followed while holding a weapon. After being shot in the leg, Baylor returned fire, trying to protect her child. The intruders reportedly continued firing, leaving Baylor with multiple gunshot wounds. She later ran across the street to her grandparents’ home for help.
Reddick was found unresponsive in the front yard by Birmingham Police Department officers and was pronounced dead shortly after. Baylor survived her injuries and gave birth to their child the following day.
Arrests and Charges
Approximately six months after the incident, Morris was arrested by U.S. Marshals in Nashville, Tennessee, and brought back to Jefferson County, Alabama. He faced capital murder and attempted murder charges…