Tragic Loss in Birmingham: Mother Mourns Son Murdered at 20
The city of Birmingham is reeling from a heartbreaking tragedy as a mother mourns the devastating loss of her son, who was taken from her far too soon. Chervon Tanner, a deeply emotional and loving mother, is struggling to comprehend the murder of her son, Dontrell Gooden, just 20 years old.
A Nightmare Come True
Chervon described her heartbreak as if her heart had been torn into pieces. She spent her weekend consumed with worry about her missing son. The panic escalated throughout Saturday until it turned into a nightmare she cannot seem to wake from. “It’s a nightmare,” she said, searching for words to express her anguish. “I’m still asking someone to wake me up from it.”
Dontrell was last seen around 11 p.m. on Friday, having spent the night at his sister’s home. When his sister woke up the next morning, she realized he had not returned. That’s when the frantic search began. Tanner’s family launched their own search efforts, hoping to find him safe and sound.
The Long Search
Tanner’s middle son joined the search, retracing Dontrell’s last known movements based on his phone’s location. Unfortunately, their search yielded no results, leading them to call the Birmingham police for help. Detectives issued a Critical Missing Alert on Saturday night, raising concern that Gute might be in danger.
Sadly, their worst fears were confirmed on Sunday, November 24, 2024, when police made a tragic discovery. They found his body inside his sister’s vehicle in a wooded area in the Brummitt Heights neighborhood. Dontrell had apparently been shot, marking a heartbreaking conclusion to the family’s harrowing search.
Remembering a Joyful Soul
Chervon Tanner fondly remembers her son as someone who loved to bring others joy. “He loved to make people laugh,” she said. “He liked to tickle you and play jokes on you.” Dontrell’s joyous spirit and generous heart were particularly evident in his relationship with his two-year-old twin nieces, who he adored. “They were his world, and he was their world,” his mother recounted, overwhelmed with emotion as she recalled their special bond.
Questions Surrounding Tragedy
While no arrests have been made, Tanner is left grappling with questions about her son’s tragic end. She believes that someone he knew might have betrayed him. “I think they killed him over a gun they wanted,” she said, incredulously stating that he would have willingly given it up if asked. “They could have just taken it from him, and he would still be here.”
Call for an End to Violence
In the wake of this terrible loss, Chervon Tanner is not only mourning her son but also calling for an end to violence in Birmingham. “The violence needs to stop,” she passionately stated. “These young men are killing their whole generation.” She hopes that others can learn from her family’s tragedy and prevent future violence.
As she endures this pain, Tanner’s heart continues to ache for the closeness she once shared with her son—“My full circle is gone,” she lamented.
Seeking Justice
Those who have information about the case are urged to reach out to Birmingham homicide detectives at 205-254-1764 or contact Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. The tragedy of Dontrell Gooden’s death has left a ripple of sorrow across the community, and his mother is determined to seek answers while keeping the memory of her loving son alive.
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.
