News Summary
The Birmingham community is heartbroken following the tragic shooting death of 22-year-old Demarious Antwon Cherry in the Kingston housing area. Witnesses reported at least 40 shots fired during the chaotic incident, which has raised concerns over increasing gun violence in the neighborhood. As residents grapple with the loss, efforts are being mobilized to support Cherry’s family, with a GoFundMe campaign launched for burial expenses. This marks the first homicide in Kingston for 2025, underlining a disturbing trend of rising violence that has residents living in fear.
Birmingham Community in Mourning After Gunfight Claims Young Life
The city of Birmingham is once again grappling with the tragic loss of a young life as 22-year-old Demarious Antwon Cherry was shot dead in the Kingston public housing community. The harrowing incident unfolded on the evening of February 5, 2025, just after 9:40 p.m., showering the neighborhood with at least 40 shots fired on Roscoe Avenue. Such violent occurrences have become a distressing norm for some residents.
Gunfire Echoes Through The Neighborhood
Residents living near the Rev. Dr. Morrell Todd Homes had an unsettling night, with the sound of continuous gunfire resembling a massive shootout. Officers from the nearby South Precinct, alerted by the audible chaos as well as advanced gunshot detection technology known as Shot Spotter, raced to the scene. Upon their arrival, the situation was chaotic; a crowd of onlookers witnessed the aftermath, but they dispersed quickly as officers worked to assess the situation.
Cherry Found Too Late
When law enforcement arrived, Cherry was found near the steps of an apartment building. Sadly, the team from Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service pronounced him dead just as the clock struck 10 p.m. The police are still piecing together what happened and have yet to determine whether Cherry was a targeted victim or just an innocent bystander caught up in the crossfire.
Community’s Gun Violence Woes
Kingston isn’t new to violence; it recalls a devastating shootout in 2023 that shook its residents to the core. Unfortunately, this latest shooting adds to a worrying trend seen in the community, where safety concerns loom large amid increasing gun violence. Residents in the densely populated neighborhood often feel the need to take cover during these chaotic episodes, making one wonder about the long-term implications on the community’s safety and well-being.
Community Remembers Cherry
Eldridge Knighton, the neighborhood president, painted a picture of Cherry as a respected member of the area, a person who kept to himself and steered clear of trouble. Known primarily for his quiet demeanor, Cherry lived with family and had recently attended Dupuy Alternative School after graduating from Woodlawn High School. His mother, Tiffany Moore, described him as a caring individual, further enhancing the grief felt by family and friends in this sudden loss.
A Soaring Homeless Rate
This heartbreaking incident marks the first homicide reported in Kingston for 2025 and the 13th homicide in Birmingham overall this year. The city has witnessed a disturbing pattern, with a total of five homicides occurring since the previous weekend alone. In Jefferson County, the homicide count has hit a staggering 20, raising eyebrows and concerns for public safety.
Investigations Underway Without Arrests
While Birmingham police have managed to apprehend suspects in five out of the last six homicide cases, Cherry’s case remains an unsolved mystery for now. Officers are utilizing both surveillance systems and resources from their Real Time Crime Center in hopes of gathering essential information that can lead to arrests.
Community Support Takes Shape
As the community mourns, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist with Cherry’s burial expenses, showcasing the collective support that pervades the grieving community. Family and friends are banding together, standing strong as they reflect on the life lost in such a tragic manner.
The overall sentiment among residents is one of despair and concern. With each life lost, the community faces the harsh reality that peace may still be a long way off. It is evident that council members, leaders, and residents alike must come together if they hope to reclaim their neighborhood from the grips of violence.
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Gunfight in Birmingham’s Kingston Community
- AL.com: Family Mourns 22-Year-Old Killed in Gunfight
- AL.com: Mayor Challenges Businesses on Homicide Reduction
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence
- WBRC: Four Homicides in Four Days in 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.
