By CAROLINE CARMICHAEL/ Staff Writer

A 22-year-old woman was shot and killed inside a vehicle at the Chevron gas station off Interstate 65 Exit 219 in Jemison around 6:30 p.m. on July 24.

She has been identified as Marsha Jasmine Westbrook of Mobile, and was riding in the vehicle with the suspect, 30-year-old Prichard resident Khadija Egella Montgomery, according to the Jemison Police Department. Police said the two were traveling together from south Alabama to a destination unknown at this time.

According to police, Montgomery allegedly exited the vehicle during a stop at the Chevron station before approaching the passenger’s side and shooting Westbrook.

Jemison police responded to the report of the shooting, and arrived at the scene to find Westbrook deceased inside the vehicle.

Montgomery was located soon afterward, and a small caliber handgun was found in her possession, according to police.

“The weapon has been recovered and the suspect has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder,” a press release from the Jemison Police Department stated.

Montgomery is being held at the Chilton County Jail with a $150,000 bond, and may have additional charges filed as the investigation progresses.

According to the press release, investigation of the case will continue “for quite some time.”

As of July 25, police had not yet determined what led up to the shooting.

“We have no evidence of any verbal or physical altercation that may have occurred just prior to the shooting,” the press release states.

“We have no reason to believe that anyone else was involved,” the press release continues. The department assures the public that “this was not just some random shooting and that the area is safe.”

“We want to thank the Sheriff’s Department and officers from the Clanton Police Department for their assistance,” the press release read. “Our hearts and prayers are certainly with the victim’s family.”