FAIRHOPE, Ala. (WKRG) — A man accused of shooting and killing another man at a birthday party has been found guilty of manslaughter.

Aiden Thompson, 21, of Fairhope, was found guilty of manslaughter in the death of Cory Terrell Edwards, Jr., 22, which happened on June 11, 2022, around 1 a.m.

A party that began that Friday night started to break up around 1 a.m. that Saturday when gunfire erupted off Twin Beech Road in Fairhope.

C.J. Edwards, seen holding a football, in his Fairhope High School football team publicity photo.
C.J. Edwards was shot and killed while leaving a birthday party in June 2022.

Edwards was hit and driven to Thomas Hospital. He was later transferred to USA Medical Center where he died from his injuries.

Edwards’ cousin, TaRhea McCovery, described him as an angel.

“C.J. was literally like an angel on earth. With this situation, those who didn’t know C.J., the best way I can explain it is this is like taking the life of an infant,” McCovery said.

Thompson will be sentenced Dec. 5 at 11 a.m. and will face two to 20 years in prison.