SEMMES, Ala. — Two men are in critical condition after what the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office is investigating as an attempted murder-suicide at a home in Semmes on Sunday night, Sept. 27.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, Christopher Shires, 48, allegedly shot James Agee, 24, several times at a home on Cynthia Drive and then turned the gun on himself. Deputies were called to the scene at 10:04 p.m.
What deputies found
The Sheriff’s Office described the scene deputies encountered when they arrived in a statement released after the shooting.
“When deputies arrived, they located James Agee, 24, in the roadway suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his torso and extremities,” MCSO said. “Deputies immediately secured the residence and located Christopher Shires, 48, on the rear porch suffering from a single gunshot wound to the head.”
Both men were taken to a hospital in Mobile. As of the Sheriff’s Office’s latest update, both remained in critical condition.
Key facts
- When: Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026; deputies responded at 10:04 p.m.
- Where: A residence on Cynthia Drive in Semmes, in western Mobile County
- Who: James Agee, 24, was found in the roadway with multiple gunshot wounds; Christopher Shires, 48, was found on the rear porch with a single gunshot wound
- Condition: Both men hospitalized in critical condition
- Investigating agency: Mobile County Sheriff’s Office
Questions that remain
The Sheriff’s Office has not publicly said what led to the shooting, whether the two men knew each other or what their relationship might be. Investigators also have not said whether anyone else was at the home at the time, how many shots were fired or what type of weapon was used.
Because Shires remains hospitalized, no charges had been announced as of Monday. In cases like this, investigators typically wait to learn the outcome of a suspect’s medical condition and complete their review of the evidence before any charging decisions are made. Any charges would be reviewed with the Mobile County District Attorney’s Office. Shires has not been charged with a crime and is presumed innocent.
The case remains under investigation, and the Sheriff’s Office is expected to release more information as it becomes available. This article will be updated.
About the Semmes community
Semmes is a city in western Mobile County, northwest of the city of Mobile, known for its largely residential neighborhoods, schools and rural stretches. The community incorporated as a city in 2010. Because the Sheriff’s Office serves as the primary law enforcement agency for much of unincorporated Mobile County and assists in smaller communities, deputies frequently respond to emergency calls in and around Semmes.
Violent incidents in residential areas can be unsettling for neighbors. Residents on and around Cynthia Drive who may have seen or heard something Sunday night, or who have home security cameras that captured activity in the area around 10 p.m., may be able to help investigators by contacting the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office.
How investigators approach cases like this
When a shooting involves both a victim and a person with a self-inflicted wound, investigators generally treat the scene as they would any shooting. Deputies secure the area and make sure there is no ongoing threat, which is what MCSO said deputies did when they “immediately secured the residence” after finding Agee in the roadway.
Crime-scene investigators then document the scene, collect physical evidence such as shell casings and the firearm, and interview any witnesses, family members or neighbors. Detectives often seek search warrants for the residence and for phones or other devices to understand what happened in the hours before the shooting. Medical records and autopsy findings, if applicable, can also play a role in determining exactly how events unfolded.
That process can take weeks, and sheriff’s offices often release only limited details while an investigation is active in order to protect its integrity.
If you or someone you know is struggling
This story involves an apparent suicide attempt. If you or someone you know is in crisis or thinking about suicide, help is available 24 hours a day. Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or chat online at 988lifeline.org. Veterans can press 1 after dialing 988 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line.
If you are worried about someone’s safety, including concerns that someone may harm another person, call 911. Concerns about firearms in a home where someone is in crisis can also be discussed with the 988 Lifeline, which can help people think through safety steps such as temporarily storing guns outside the home.
Domestic and interpersonal violence resources
Investigators have not said whether this shooting involved a domestic relationship. For anyone experiencing violence or threats from someone they know, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available at 1-800-799-7233, or by texting START to 88788. Local advocates in Mobile County can also help with safety planning and emergency shelter.
What happens next
The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office will continue its investigation into what happened on Cynthia Drive. Updates on the conditions of Agee and Shires, as well as any charges, are expected to come from the Sheriff’s Office. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact MCSO.