Birmingham, July 30, 2025
News Summary
A 17-year-old football player, Reginald Pope, was fatally shot in a Birmingham apartment under tragic circumstances. A juvenile suspect has been charged with reckless manslaughter following the incident, which highlights the pressing issue of gun safety among youth. The Woodlawn High School community mourns the loss, emphasizing Pope’s lasting legacy as they unite in grief and support for his family. With Birmingham facing a troubling rise in homicides, local authorities urge citizens to promote responsible firearm handling to prevent further tragedies.
Birmingham – A 17-year-old rising senior and football player at Woodlawn High School, Reginald Pope, was tragically fatally shot on Friday, July 25. The incident took place around 8:30 a.m. in the 7500 block of 67th Courtway South, inside a Gate City apartment. The Birmingham Police Department has since charged a juvenile suspect with reckless manslaughter, and the suspect is currently being held on a $30,000 bond at the Jefferson County Jail.
On Tuesday, the Birmingham police’s Crime Reduction Team arrested the juvenile suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed due to age restrictions. Investigations revealed that the suspect had taken Pope’s gun, removed the clip, and inadvertently failed to notice a bullet still chambered. As the suspect pointed the firearm at Pope, it discharged, leading to the incident. Reginald Pope was pronounced dead at the scene by personnel from the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service.
The Birmingham Police initially classified the shooting as a homicide but later reclassified it as an unclassified death as the investigation unfolded. A charge of reckless manslaughter arises from unintentional deaths that result from reckless behavior. In Alabama, reckless manslaughter is defined as a Class B felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison.
Reginald Pope has been marked as the 46th homicide victim in Birmingham this year. The city has seen a troubling total of 71 homicides in Jefferson County in 2023. Local law enforcement continues to urge anyone with information related to this case to reach out to the Birmingham Police Department Homicide Unit or Crime Stoppers.
The Woodlawn High School community has expressed profound grief over the loss of Pope. Their condolences highlight the impact of Pope’s presence, stating his “light, laughter, and legacy will forever be a part of the Woodlawn family.” The community stands united with his family, offering love, strength, and prayers during this tragic time.
This incident has drawn attention to the ongoing issue of gun safety, particularly among youth. Authorities emphasize the importance of responsible firearm handling and awareness to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.
Background on Reckless Manslaughter in Alabama
In the state of Alabama, reckless manslaughter charges are applicable in cases where deaths occur due to reckless actions. The law enforces severe penalties for those found guilty, underscoring the serious consequences of negligent behavior related to firearms.
As of this year, Birmingham is grappling with a rising tide of violence, with numerous victims falling prey to gun-related incidents. Community discussions are growing around the need for better gun education and safety measures to protect individuals and families from similar tragedies.
Key Statistics
- Total Homicides in Birmingham: 46
- Total Homicides in Jefferson County: 71
- Possible Sentence for Reckless Manslaughter: 2 to 20 years
- Bond for Suspect: $30,000
FAQ Section
What happened in the shooting incident involving Reginald Pope?
Reginald Pope was accidentally shot by a juvenile who removed the clip from a gun but did not realize a bullet remained in the chamber. The incident occurred in a Gate City apartment.
What charges have been filed against the suspect?
A juvenile suspect has been charged with reckless manslaughter, which is classified as a Class B felony in Alabama.
How is the Woodlawn High School community responding to this tragedy?
The community has expressed sorrow over Pope’s death, emphasizing that his legacy will remain a part of the Woodlawn family.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Reginald Pope, 17 |
| Incident Date | July 25, 2023 |
| Location | 67th Courtway South, Gate City |
| Suspect’s Charge | Reckless Manslaughter |
| Total Homicides in Birmingham (2023) | 46 |
| Total Homicides in Jefferson County (2023) | 71 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WVTM 13 News
- ABC 33/40 News
- AL.com
- WBRC News
- AL.com
- Wikipedia: Reckless Manslaughter
- Google Search: Birmingham homicides
- Google Scholar: Gun Safety Education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
- Google News: Gun Safety Incidents
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.
