Birmingham, July 25, 2025
News Summary
Jerome Reese Jr., 56, has been arrested and charged with capital murder in connection with the fatal shooting of Curtis Jerome Pruitt, 65, in Birmingham. The incident occurred while Pruitt was sitting in his vehicle parked near Center Street North. Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures, but Pruitt was later pronounced dead at UAB Hospital. The police are urging community members to provide any information regarding the shooting as the investigation continues.
Birmingham – A suspect has been arrested in connection with the shooting death of 65-year-old Curtis Jerome Pruitt. Jerome Reese Jr., 56, from Hueytown, is facing charges of capital murder in this case. The Birmingham Police Department’s Crime Reduction Team apprehended Reese in the 200 block of 25th Court N.W. on Wednesday evening.
Reese was booked into the Jefferson County Jail at 9:24 p.m. on the same day and is currently being held without bond. The charges stem from an incident that occurred just after 2:30 p.m. on Sunday in the 900 block of Center Street North, where Pruitt was tragically killed while sitting in his vehicle.
Responding officers arrived on the scene to find a gray SUV parked in the 10 block of 9th Avenue West. Pruitt was discovered unresponsive in the driver’s seat of the vehicle. Despite immediate efforts by Birmingham firefighters to perform life-saving measures, Pruitt was transported to UAB Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Investigations revealed that a man, who was on foot, approached the SUV before opening fire and fleeing the scene. While the police have yet to disclose the motive behind the shooting, the capital murder charge is attributed to the fact that Pruitt was inside his vehicle when he was killed.
The location of this incident is significant, as it is near the location of a previous shooting event in February 2024, where four people lost their lives near the Smithfield Library. The community and families affected by both incidents are understandably shaken, and the Birmingham police are urging anyone with information related to the ongoing investigation to come forward. They are encouraged to contact either the homicide unit or Crime Stoppers.
The Birmingham Police Department has not disclosed further details regarding the case or the alleged motives of Reese. The escalation of violence in the community raises concerns amongst residents, particularly in light of recent similar events.
As this situation develops, the Birmingham community remains hopeful for justice for Pruitt and peace in the neighborhood where these violent acts have occurred. Law enforcement continues to actively investigate and manage safety initiatives as they strive to maintain order and security.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Curtis Jerome Pruitt?
Curtis Jerome Pruitt was a 65-year-old man from Birmingham who was tragically shot and killed while in his vehicle on Sunday afternoon.
What charges were filed against Jerome Reese Jr.?
Jerome Reese Jr. has been charged with capital murder in connection with the shooting of Curtis Jerome Pruitt.
What did the police say happened during the shooting?
The police reported that a man on foot approached Pruitt’s SUV, opened fire, and then fled the scene. Pruitt was later found unresponsive and succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
Is there a connection to other recent shootings in Birmingham?
Yes, the shooting occurred near a location where four people were killed in February 2024 near the Smithfield Library, raising concerns about ongoing violence in the community.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Incident | Shooting death of Curtis Jerome Pruitt |
| Suspect | Jerome Reese Jr. (56 years old) |
| Charge | Capital Murder |
| Location | 900 block of Center Street North |
| Time of Incident | Just after 2:30 p.m. on Sunday |
| Police Response | Officers found Pruitt unresponsive in a gray SUV and attempted life-saving measures |
| Emergency Response | Pruitt was transported to UAB Hospital where he was pronounced dead |
| Investigation Status | Police are encouraging public information regarding the incident |
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Suspect Charged with Capital Murder
- Google Search: Capital murder Birmingham
- WBRC: Judge Rules on Birmingham Murder Suspect
- Google Scholar: Jerome Reese Birmingham murder
- ABC3340: Birmingham Police Arrest Suspect
- Wikipedia: Birmingham, Alabama
- AL.com: Birmingham Mass Shooting Suspect
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Birmingham, Alabama
- WVTM13: Man Killed in East Lake Park Shooting
- Google News: Birmingham homicides
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson 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 the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
