In the streets of Bessemer, Alabama, a vibrant life was extinguished in a heartbeat, leaving a community in mourning and a family shattered. Angelica Newton, a 29-year-old woman brimming with hope and anticipation for the arrival of her unborn child, was fatally shot on Thursday, August 21, 2025, in a domestic incident that has sent shockwaves through the city. The tragedy unfolded on 5th Street, a place now marked by sorrow, where dreams of a growing family were cruelly stolen.
Angelica, just three months pregnant, was preparing to embrace the joys of motherhood. Described by those who knew her as a warm and radiant soul, she carried the promise of new life within her. But in a devastating turn of events, authorities say the shot that ended her life—and that of her unborn child—came from the hand of the man closest to her. Alfred Lee Colven, 32, her boyfriend, now stands accused of pulling the trigger in a moment of unthinkable violence.
Bessemer police responded swiftly to the scene, where they found Angelica, her life slipping away. Despite efforts to save her, she succumbed to her injuries, leaving behind a void that words cannot capture. The loss of not only Angelica but also her unborn child has amplified the grief felt by her loved ones, who are grappling with the unimaginable pain of a future stolen.
Colven, a resident of Bessemer, was arrested at the scene and now faces a capital murder charge, a weighty accusation that reflects the gravity of the crime. Authorities have confirmed that the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute, a private moment that spiraled into deadly consequences. Colven is being held without bond at the Jefferson County Jail, where he awaits the next steps in a case that has gripped the attention of the community. Investigators have verified that Angelica and Colven were in a relationship, a detail that deepens the tragedy of betrayal and loss.
The streets of Bessemer, often bustling with the rhythm of everyday life, now carry a somber tone as residents reflect on the fragility of life and the devastating impact of domestic violence. Angelica’s story, one of hope and anticipation, has become a stark reminder of the urgent need for awareness and prevention of such tragedies. Her loved ones, still reeling from the loss, are left to honor her memory—a young woman whose light was extinguished far too soon, and a child who will never know the warmth of her embrace.
As the investigation continues, authorities are piecing together the events that led to this heartbreaking moment. For now, the community holds its breath, mourning a life cut short and seeking justice for Angelica Newton, a woman whose love and dreams will never be forgotten.