Birmingham, August 14, 2025
News Summary
Birmingham is reeling from a series of tragic events, including the discovery of a deceased man in a drainage ditch and multiple shootings. The Birmingham Police Department is investigating these incidents, which have left the community in shock. Key suspects have been charged in the shootings, prompting concerns about rising violence and safety in the area. As the investigations continue, residents mourn the loss of life and seek justice for the victims.
Birmingham is currently facing a wave of tragedies as multiple fatal incidents have been reported, prompting investigations by local law enforcement. City workers made a grim discovery on a Wednesday at approximately 9 a.m., finding the remains of a 64-year-old man identified as Darrell Stephens in a drainage ditch near George Ward Park. The ditch, located between a parking lot and Green Springs Highway, also contained a bicycle alongside the deceased.
An autopsy is set to be carried out to determine the cause and manner of Stephens’s death. The Birmingham Police Department is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this discovery, although further details have yet to be released.
In a separate incident, 37-year-old Terrance Akeem Alexander faces formal charges related to a shooting in downtown Birmingham that claimed the life of Taevon Jamir Arnold, 31. The shooting occurred shortly before 6 p.m. on a Friday and was captured on surveillance cameras. Alexander has been charged with murder, first-degree assault, and two counts of discharging a firearm into a building or vehicle.
Following the incident, Alexander was apprehended the next day and booked into the Jefferson County Jail. He posted bonds totaling $120,000 on the day following his arrest. At the shooting scene, authorities located at least 18 shell casings near 14th Street North and First Avenue. Arnold was later pronounced dead at 11:13 p.m. after being transported to the hospital. Investigators revealed that there was a prior interaction between the suspect and the victims before the shooting, but it remains unclear if shots were fired from the victim’s gun.
Authorities are also scrutinizing the connection between the shooting and the Church of the Reconciler, as the area has experienced notable criminal activity in recent months.
In further developments, Jerome Reese Jr., 56, has been arrested and charged with capital murder following the shooting death of 65-year-old Curtis Jerome Pruitt in northern Birmingham. This shooting took place shortly after 2:30 p.m. on a Sunday when a man approached Pruitt’s SUV and opened fire. Pruitt was discovered unresponsive in his vehicle and was transported to UAB Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Authorities have yet to disclose a motive for this shooting, and Reese is currently being held without bond following his arrest. Both incidents serve as a stark reminder of the increasing concerns surrounding safety and crime in Birmingham.
As Birmingham residents mourn the loss of life and grapple with the ongoing violence, the community and law enforcement continue to seek justice for the victims and determine the underlying causes of these tragic events.
FAQ
What happened in Birmingham recently?
There have been multiple fatal incidents in Birmingham, including the discovery of a deceased man in a drainage ditch and two separate shootings resulting in deaths.
Who is Darrell Stephens?
Darrell Stephens was a 64-year-old man found deceased in a drainage ditch near George Ward Park. An autopsy is pending to determine the cause of death.
What charges has Terrance Akeem Alexander faced?
Terrance Akeem Alexander has been charged with murder, first-degree assault, and two counts of discharging a firearm into a building or vehicle for his role in a downtown shooting.
What is the current state of the investigations?
The Birmingham Police Department is conducting investigations into both incidents to understand the circumstances and determine if there are any connections to broader criminal activities in the area.
Key Features of Recent Incidents in Birmingham
| Event | Date | Victim(s) | Suspect(s) | Charges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Darrell Stephens Found | Wednesday | Darrell Stephens (64) | N/A | Investigation ongoing |
| Downtown Shooting | Friday | Taevon Jamir Arnold (31) | Terrance Akeem Alexander (37) | Murder, first-degree assault, discharging firearm |
| Shooting of Curtis Pruitt | Sunday | Curtis Jerome Pruitt (65) | Jerome Reese Jr. (56) | Capital Murder |
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: City workers discover body in drainage ditch at Birmingham’s George Ward Park
- Wikipedia: Birmingham, Alabama
- AL.com: Suspect charged in downtown Birmingham shooting
- Google Search: Birmingham shooting
- WVTM13: Human remains found in Birmingham drainage ditch
- Google Scholar: Birmingham homicides
- AL.com: Suspect charged with capital murder in Birmingham
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Birmingham crime
- WVTM13: Birmingham homicide shooting in Ensley
- Google News: Birmingham
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.
