News Summary
Ronald Bland, 32, has been granted a $50,000 bond following his arrest related to the shooting death of his best friend, Akera Harris, 27, at a Decatur nightclub. Witnesses report Bland fired into a crowd, leading to Harris’s tragic death. Despite his past drug charges, Bland’s family defends his character, insisting on his innocence. The community is in shock as investigations continue, with calls for transparency and justice for Harris.
Decatur, Alabama — Ronald Bland, 32, was granted a $50,000 bond following his arrest in connection with the shooting death of his best friend, Akera Harris, 27. The incident occurred early on June 14, 2025, at a nightclub called Candyland located on West Moulton Street in Decatur. Akera Harris was discovered deceased by authorities with a fatal gunshot wound at approximately 3:22 a.m.
Witnesses have reported that Bland was seen firing a weapon into a crowd, which resulted in Harris’ untimely death. Upon his arrest, Bland was booked into the Morgan County Jail without bond. However, during a recent Aniah’s Law hearing, District Judge Shelly Waters approved his bond with several conditions aimed at ensuring public safety. These conditions include the requirement for Bland to wear a GPS tracking device, participation in a pre-trial supervision program, maintaining a distance of at least 200 yards from the shooting site, and refraining from any new criminal charges.
Bland’s family and friends have publicly defended his character, asserting his innocence in the incident. They describe him as a kind and gentle individual, insisting he did not possess a firearm during the altercation. They suggest that Harris may have been shot while attempting to protect Bland during the chaotic event. Bland’s mother, Maemell Bailey, expressed a belief that her son is wrongfully accused, arguing that his status as an outsider in the Decatur community made him an easy target for law enforcement suspicion.
Harris was a dedicated working mother who graduated from Decatur High School in 2017 and was reportedly striving to provide a better life for her young daughter. Following her death, Bland’s mother highlighted her son’s grief over the loss of his best friend, expressing a desire for him to be able to attend her funeral scheduled for June 22, 2025.
In light of the ongoing investigation, Gregory Rice, a close friend of Bland, has urged anyone who may have information regarding the incident to come forward and assist authorities in seeking clarity and justice for Harris. While Bland has past drug possession charges from 2019 and 2021, his family states these do not define his current character or the circumstances surrounding this case.
Supporters of Bland emphasize the need for transparency and community involvement in the investigation. They believe that gathering more information is crucial to ensure justice not only for Akera Harris but also to clear Bland’s name. The community remains in shock over the shooting, and the lack of clarity surrounding the events of that night has left many questioning how such a tragedy could occur among friends at a local nightclub.
As the case develops, further information will be essential for understanding the circumstances surrounding the shooting and determining the ultimate facts from what has been described as a chaotic and tragic event.
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Additional Resources
- WAFF: Family Claims Decatur Murder Suspect is Innocent
- Wikipedia: Decatur, Alabama
- WAAYTV: Bond Granted for Ronald Bland in Decatur Shooting Case
- Google Search: Decatur shooting incident
- Decatur Daily: Murder Suspect Granted Bond in W. Moulton Street Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime in the United States
- WHNT: Shooting Investigation Begins After Woman Found Dead in Decatur
- Google News: Decatur shooting case
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
ATLANTA STAFF WRITER The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
