A Jefferson County jury on Thursday morning convicted Jeremiah Isaiah Pressley, 25, of capital murder for the May 25, 2024, shooting death of 19-year-old Mya Parker, a case that drew attention across Birmingham for its violence and sudden loss of a young life.
Verdict and next steps
Jurors deliberated about one hour and 15 minutes before returning the guilty verdict. Because the shooting occurred while the victim was in a vehicle, prosecutors charged Pressley with capital murder. The conviction is not capital-eligible for the death penalty, so the only statutory sentence available is life in prison without the possibility of parole. A formal sentencing date has not yet been set by Jefferson County Circuit Judge Stephen Wallace.
Details from the trial
The trial began Tuesday and was prosecuted by Jefferson County Chief Deputy District Attorney Joe Roberts and Deputy District Attorney Julie McMakin. Pressley was represented by Jefferson County Public Defender attorneys Malcolm Head and Chad Black. Defense counsel indicated Pressley initially planned to testify but he ultimately did not take the stand.
- Defendant: Jeremiah Isaiah Pressley, 25
- Victim: Mya Parker, 19
- Date of killing: May 25, 2024
- Location noted in reporting: Following time at Onyx of Birmingham
- Jury deliberation: ~1 hour 15 minutes
"We are thankful to the Birmingham Police Department for their work on this investigation and prosecution and to Mya’s family for trusting us to obtain justice for Mya," Jefferson County Chief Deputy District Attorney Joe Roberts said following the verdict. "Judge Wallace will set a sentencing date soon and because the defendant was convicted of Capital Murder his only sentencing option is Life Without Parole and that is exactly what he deserves for such a violent and senseless murder."
Victim and community impact
Parker was a 2024 graduate of Minor High School, though reporting notes she spent most of her high school years in Gardendale. At the time of her death she had just accepted a new position in environmental services at UAB and was due to begin orientation within the week. Friends and neighbors described a young person whose plans had only just begun.
The shooting occurred after a night out that included time at Onyx of Birmingham. Prosecutors said the incident followed an altercation in which Parker believed Pressley was flirting and dancing with other women during the celebration of his birthday.
Legal context and community response
Jurors had the option to convict on lesser counts, including felony murder or manslaughter, but chose the most serious charge offered. The case was investigated by the Birmingham Police Department, whose work the prosecution publicly thanked after the verdict. The outcome means a lengthy imprisonment for Pressley and underscores the local criminal justice system's handling of homicides tied to intimate relationships and public nights out.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Charge | Capital murder |
| Verdict | Guilty |
| Potential sentence | Life without parole |
| Prosecutors | Joe Roberts, Julie McMakin |
| Defense | Malcolm Head, Chad Black |
For Birmingham residents, the conviction brings some closure in a case that involved young people and familiar nightspots. The community will now await the formal sentencing hearing, at which the court will impose the life-without-parole term authorized by law.
