Century woman shot and killed

Century resident Chiquita Ewing was one of three who died as a result of a shooting that left 18 people injured at a party last weekend in Baldwin County, according to news sources.

Ewing was at a May Day party with at least 1,000 people in attendance near Stockton, Ala., about 30 miles northeast of Mobile.

An argument took place which led to at least one subject shooting multiple rounds into the large crowd, according to Captain Andre Reid of the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office. Reid also said there may be more shooters involved and is asking anyone who has information or video taken at the party or is willing to identify the offenders to contact the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office at 251-972-8589.

Ewing worked at Century Pharmacy so a lot of people knew her and according to Century Mayor Luis Gomez, she graduated from Century High School.

"Everybody knew her," said Gomez. "She was a young resident. She liked to have fun. She was a sweet kid, never bothered anybody. She was always at my block party."

Gomez, who usually hosts a block party in Century annually that focuses on serving his community by giving free bikes to kids, features Christian rappers and many other positive community-minded activities for families, said that the violence has to stop.

"I don't know the reason why these people feel the need to do this when there's an audience," said Gomez. "I can't fathom how they can walk by each other for six months and nothing happens and as soon as you get a bunch of people trying to have a good time and enjoy life, then you've got the show the world how bad you hate this person."

Gomez said he is feels shocked that 18 people were shot, three died, and the person who did the shooting is still able to carry on while families are in mourning. He wonders why the shooter didn't just face off with whoever his target was and 'have it out' rather than put so many others in danger or kill someone who had nothing to do with it.

"I've been blessed for 15 years, because I bring the police out there with me," said Gomez. "I knew her and it hurts, because I knew her as a kid. She was out there just trying to enjoy and didn't come back."