The Birmingham Police Department in Alabama is currently conducting an inquiry into a quadruple homicide that took place on the afternoon of Friday, February 16, 2024.
The violent incident was brought to attention shortly before 2:45 p.m. after a Shot Spotter alert denoted several rounds had been discharged in the 900 Block of Center Street North.
Upon arrival, officers discovered four men, unresponsive and each suffering from gunshot wounds, scattered near an open lot. Emergency services were promptly called to attend to the victims identified as Talton Tate, 36, Cortez Ray, 32, Terrell Edwards, 38, and Kevin McGhee, 38.
Edwards, Ray, and Tate were pronounced dead at the scene, while McGhee, with life-threatening injuries, was rushed to UAB Hospital but was declared dead upon arrival.
The initial investigation suggests that the victims were at a neighborhood car wash when the fatal attack occurred. The police found 34 shell casings at the scene, indicating a planned act of violence, though the specific motives and targeted individuals remain under investigation. This event brings the total murder investigations in Birmingham to 12 this year.
In another incident, a couple who had been unaccounted for since their Valentine’s Day date was found dead in a vehicle from gunshot wounds shortly after this shooting.
Birmingham’s Public Safety Chair, LaTonya Tate, expressed her concern over the recent rise in violence. She stated that the community cannot afford to ignore such acts of violence that impact our families, friends, and neighbors.
Tate stressed the need for a cultural change within the city to discourage criminals and break the existing silence on crime. She urged the public to report any observed wrongdoings, while expressing sympathy for the victims’ families, friends, and the Birmingham community.
Police Chief Scott Thurmond expressed his frustration with the recurring violent acts in the community. “It’s deeply troubling that these incidents continue to occur in our city repeatedly. There must be alternative ways to resolve conflicts without resorting to gunfire,” Thurmond stated.
Mayor Randall Woodfin echoed this sentiment, noting a personal connection to the tragedy as one victim was a city employee and another was his relative.
The Birmingham Police Department is urging the public to assist in the ongoing investigation. In collaboration with Crime Stoppers, they are offering cash rewards for information leading to arrests, encouraging anyone with pertinent information to step forward.
