Birmingham Community Shocked by Tragic Death of Local Woman
BIRMINGHAM, AL – A tragic incident has left the Birmingham community grappling with grief as 27-year-old Maria Juan was found dead in her apartment on Friday, September 20, 2024. The circumstances surrounding her death have led to the arrest of a suspect, igniting discussions about safety and awareness in the neighborhood.
Timeline of Events
Juan was last seen on Thursday evening around 8 p.m. on the Southside of Birmingham. Concerned family members reported her missing the following morning, prompting an urgent response from the Special Victims Unit detectives. As part of their investigation, officers were dispatched to conduct a welfare check at the Hillside apartment complex located at 1521 17th Street South.
When officers arrived at the complex around 3:30 p.m. on Friday, they entered an apartment and discovered Juan unresponsive. Sadly, the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service pronounced her dead at the scene shortly afterward.
Investigation Underway
As the investigation progressed, law enforcement officials began to piece together details of Juan’s last known hours. They learned about people she had been with on Thursday night, which eventually led them to detain a man in downtown Birmingham on Friday. This man has been identified as Tremayne Dawon King, 34, a former romantic partner of Juan.
On Tuesday evening, King was booked into the Jefferson County Jail at 6:34 p.m. and is currently being held without bond on a murder charge. An autopsy revealed that Juan died as a result of blunt force trauma and/or strangulation, bringing further urgency to the investigation.
Community Reaction
The news has struck a chord within the community, with many residents expressing their sorrow over Juan’s untimely death. Family members have shared their heartbreak, and community leaders are calling for increased awareness and resources to support individuals in vulnerable situations.
The police continue to gather information, and they have reached out to the public for any additional details that might assist in their investigation. A local spokesperson noted, “We are doing everything in our power to ensure that justice is served in this case. This is not just an isolated incident; it impacts all of us here in Birmingham.”
Next Steps
The case is still developing, and officials have indicated that more information may come to light as they continue their investigation. Community members are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to local law enforcement.
As we mourn the loss of Maria Juan, it serves as a reminder of the importance of community support and outreach. The residents of Birmingham are urged to look out for one another and to stay informed about local happenings that may affect their safety.
The next court appearance for King is expected to take place shortly, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available. In the meantime, the community gathers in solidarity to support Juan’s family during this difficult time.
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.
