Downtown Birmingham Shootout Claims One Life
An incident involving multiple firearms and over 50 rounds fired
An extreme shootout in the afternoon at 25th St. and Seventh Avenue North in Birmingham left a man dead. A culmination of multiple guns and no less than 50 discharged rounds dramatized the incident. The location of the incident, a central intersection that lies within the vicinity of Park Place Apartments, Marconi Park, and the Jones Valley Teaching Farm, saw a massive confrontational event around 2:15 p.m.
Immediate Response and Investigation
Following alerts about a person being shot, North Precinct officers arrived on the scene to find a grey Chrysler 300 crashed against a tree and a utility pole nearby. The victim was found approximately 15 yards away in a grassy area outside an apartment complex. Rushed to the UAB Hospital, the man was unfortunately declared dead.
Officer Truman Fitzgerald, hinting at the expansive scale of the event, stated that the shooting sequence seemed to have occurred at the already identified intersection. The victim, he continued, appeared to be selectively targeted.
Collecting Evidence Amid Chaos
In an investigative exercise, more than 50 evidence marks were established along Seventh Avenue North. Fitzgerald clarified that these markers do not necessarily represent individual shell casings but could denote multiple rounds located in a single location. Expressing concern over public safety in an often frequented area, he said, “Anytime you have this many rounds being fired, we are extremely lucky no one else was hit“.
Leads and Initial Findings
Fitzgerald, applauding the investigative diligence on display, suggested their progress on the case was purely due to rigorous police work. The officers had local knowledge of their beats and were familiar with the involved parties, including the victim.
A women who posted live updates on social media claimed to have witnessed one shooter mask-clad and discharging his firearm from a window. The victim, based on preliminary findings, had an opportunity to retaliate before his tragic collapse. A weapon was discovered in the vicinity of the victim.
Plea for Public Input
The authorities, though making headway, still request any privy individuals to come forward with information. Serving as the fourth deadly shooting in Birmingham within five days, it accounts for the 79th instance within the current year.
Fitzgerald, sharing sentiments on the current circumstances, stressed that changes are necessary in society’s overall daily life approach. Authorities urge individuals with relevant information to contact the homicide detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
