Montgomery Woman Fatally Shot, Auburn Suspect Arrested
The vibrant life of 45-year-old Jovon Prince, a Montgomery resident known for her warmth and community spirit, was tragically cut short on the evening of Saturday, May 10, 2025, in a shooting that has left the city grappling with grief and questions. At approximately 6:45 p.m., Montgomery police and emergency responders rushed to the 2000 block of Locust Street following reports of gunfire. There, they found Prince, a beloved figure in her neighborhood, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite efforts to save her, she was pronounced dead at the scene, marking Montgomery’s 25th homicide of the year and sending shockwaves through a community that cherished her presence.
The Montgomery Police Department swiftly launched an investigation, leading to the arrest of 24-year-old Hanna Brooke Bentley the following morning. Bentley, identified as an Auburn resident in court documents despite earlier reports suggesting ties to Montgomery, faces murder charges in connection with Prince’s death. She was booked into the Montgomery County Detention Facility early Sunday, where she remains without bond, as is standard in such cases under Alabama law. Authorities have yet to release details about the events leading up to the shooting, including any relationship between Bentley and Prince or a possible motive, leaving the public and Prince’s loved ones searching for answers.
Lieutenant David Wise, a spokesperson for the Montgomery Police Department, confirmed that officers responded promptly to the call on Locust Street, a residential area not typically associated with violent crime. The discovery of Prince’s body underscored the urgency of the investigation, which has since focused on piecing together the circumstances of the fatal encounter. While police have remained tight-lipped about specifics, the arrest of Bentley within hours suggests a targeted effort to identify and apprehend a suspect based on early evidence or witness accounts.
Jovon Prince’s death has struck a deep chord in Montgomery, where she was known for her generosity and active involvement in local initiatives. Friends and neighbors described her as a pillar of strength, someone who could be counted on to lend a hand or offer a kind word. Her loss has prompted an outpouring of tributes, with community members gathering informally to honor her memory and call for justice. The tragedy has also reignited discussions about gun violence in the city, which has seen a steady rise in homicides this year, prompting local leaders to pledge renewed efforts to address public safety.
The Montgomery Police Department is urging anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in resolving the case. Tips can be shared anonymously through CrimeStoppers at 215-STOP or directly with the department at 334-625-2831. Investigators are likely exploring all angles, from personal disputes to broader circumstances, to understand why Prince’s life was taken so violently.
As the legal process unfolds, Bentley’s case will draw significant attention, both for its impact on Montgomery and for the broader implications of such incidents in Alabama. The absence of a disclosed bond amount as of Monday morning indicates the severity with which authorities are treating the charge. For now, the focus remains on honoring Jovon Prince’s legacy and seeking clarity in a case that has left a community in mourning.
