Two Arrested in Huntsville Hotel Shooting: Victim in Critical Condition

BFMG.News
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Huntsville, Ala. (BFMG) — Huntsville police have arrested two individuals in connection with a January 16 shooting at a Best Western hotel on University Drive that left a man in critical condition. The suspects, identified as 29-year-old Omari Denzell Foster and 30-year-old R-Janai Elazsha Clifton, are charged with aggravated assault-attempted murder and robbery involving a firearm.

Incident Overview

The shooting occurred around 4 a.m. on January 16, 2024, at the Best Western located in the 4800 block of University Drive. According to the Huntsville Police Department, the victim was involved in an argument with one of the suspects, during which a firearm was drawn, and the victim was shot. The suspects fled the scene before law enforcement arrived. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he remains in critical condition

Huntsville Police Dept.
Huntsville Police Dept.

Public Assistance and Arrests

Huntsville police initially sought the public’s help in identifying the suspects by releasing photos and video footage from the hotel’s security cameras. On January 21, police announced that both suspects had been identified thanks to tips from the community. Foster and Clifton surrendered to authorities and were booked into the Madison County Jail without bond.

According to Madison County Jail records, both Foster and Clifton face charges of aggravated assault-attempted murder and first-degree robbery involving a firearm. 

Omari Denzell Foster - Madison County Jail

OMARI DENZELL FOSTER MUGSHOT - MCJ
OMARI DENZELL FOSTER CHARGES - MCJ

R-Janai Elazsha Clifton - Madison County Jail

R-JANAI ELAZSHA CLIFTON MUGSHOT - MCJ
R-JANAI ELAZSHA CLIFTON CHARGES - MCJ

Official Statements

Huntsville police expressed gratitude for the community’s assistance in identifying the suspects. “We would like to thank the community and media partners for their support in sharing this story, which ultimately led to the suspects surrendering,” a department spokesperson told WAAY-31.

While the suspects are in custody, the investigation remains ongoing. Police have not disclosed any additional details about the motive behind the shooting nor how the parties are associated. The victim remains in critical condition. Anyone with further information about the incident is encouraged to contact Investigator Phipps at 256-427-5047.

Copyright 2026 Blunt Force Media Group, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Share this article

TIPS AND INFORMATION REPORTING GUIDELINES

Blunt Force Media Group is committed to providing a safe and confidential platform for individuals to report tips and information related to criminal activities. To ensure the integrity and effectiveness of our tip submission process, we have established the following policy:

Confidentiality and Anonymity

Confidentiality 
We take the confidentiality of our tipsters seriously. Personal information provided will be kept confidential and will not be shared without explicit consent, except as required by law.

Anonymity
If you wish to remain anonymous, you may do so. Please be aware that maintaining complete anonymity may limit our ability to follow up for additional information or clarification.

Accuracy and Detail

Provide Specific Information
To assist in the investigation, please provide as much detailed and specific information as possible, including names, dates, locations, and descriptions of the criminal activity.

Supporting Evidence
If available, please include any supporting evidence, such as photographs, documents, or recordings. Ensure that any evidence submitted does not contain malware or other harmful software.

Legal Compliance

False Reporting
Submitting false information or intentionally misleading tips is a criminal offense and may be subject to legal action. We take the accuracy of the information seriously to protect the integrity of our investigations.

Mandatory Reporting
Certain types of information, such as those involving child abuse or imminent threats to safety, may require us to report to appropriate authorities as mandated by law

Submission Methods

Online Form
Tips can be submitted through our secure online form available on our website. Ensure all required fields are completed accurately.

Phone
Tips can also be submitted via our hotline for specific cases. When a hotline for a case is established, callers will speak to a live representative who will collect the information and submit it to the appropriate jurisdiction to investigate the lead. Calls are recorded for quality and verification purposes.

Mail
For those preferring traditional methods, tips cannot be mailed to our postal address and will not be accepted.

Follow-Up and Feedback

Acknowledgment
Upon submission, you will receive a reference number for your tip. Keep this number for any future correspondence regarding the tip.

Follow-Up
We may contact you for additional information if you have provided contact details. If you wish to remain anonymous, ensure your initial submission is as comprehensive as possible.

Feedback
While we cannot provide detailed feedback on ongoing investigations, we value your contribution and will do our best to acknowledge receipt and update you where appropriate.

Data Protection

Data Security
We employ robust security measures to protect the data submitted through our platform. All information is stored securely and accessed only by authorized personnel.

Retention Policy
Information provided will be retained for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy and comply with legal requirements.

Disclaimer

No Liability
Blunt Force Media Group is not liable for any consequences resulting from the submission of tips. By submitting information, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this policy.

Contact Us

For any legal questions or concerns regarding this policy or others, please contact us at: Email: legal@bluntforcemedia.com