Birmingham Man Charged with Reckless Murder Following June Shooting
In Birmingham, a significant development has emerged from a shooting incident that took place in June of this year. 29-year-old Ladarrion Raemon Copes has been formally charged with reckless murder and attempted murder following a robbery-related shooting that left one man dead and another injured.
Incident Details
The tragic events occurred on June 21, 2024, at approximately 11:05 a.m. in the 4300 block of 5th Avenue South, located in the Avondale neighborhood of Birmingham. According to police reports, three individuals were discovered at the scene suffering from gunshot wounds.
Among them was 34-year-old Rufus Brock, who was found deceased at the location. Emergency responders arrived promptly, but unfortunately, Brock did not survive his injuries. The other victim, identified as Daniel Andrews, survived but suffered serious injuries.
Arrest and Charges
Following an investigation by the Birmingham Police Department, Copes was arrested on July 26. He now faces serious charges, including reckless murder in Brock’s death and attempted murder concerning Andrews.
Copes appeared at a preliminary hearing on September 18, where a judge reviewed the evidence presented by law enforcement. The judge ruled that there was sufficient probable cause to proceed with the charges, which means the case will be escalated to a grand jury for further determinations.
Legal Proceedings
During the hearing, Copes’ bond for the attempted murder charge was set at $60,000. However, he was not granted any bond for the reckless murder charge, reflecting the serious nature of this accusation. As a result, Copes will remain in custody at the Jefferson County Jail until further notice.
Community Impact
The shooting incident has left many in the Avondale neighborhood shaken. Community members have expressed their concerns regarding safety and the rising occurrences of violence in the area. Local leaders are expected to address these issues in upcoming community meetings, seeking to ensure that residents feel secure in their homes and neighborhoods.
The ongoing legal proceedings will likely be a topic of discussion as the community looks for resolution and justice for the victims involved. As the legal process unfolds, residents are urged to support each other during this challenging time.
In an environment where community ties are vital, incidents like these not only impact the victims but ripple through the lives of their loved ones and the broader neighborhood. The upcoming grand jury’s decision will be closely monitored by the community and law enforcement alike as they navigate these complex issues of safety and justice.
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.
