News Summary
Birmingham police are investigating the homicide of 44-year-old Calvin Dewayne Ball, discovered dead in a burning vehicle. This tragic incident marks Birmingham’s 31st homicide of the year and bears similarities to the unsolved murder of Ball’s son last year. The community is concerned about rising violence and is urged to assist in the investigation.
Birmingham, Alabama – A homicide investigation is underway following the discovery of a 44-year-old man found dead inside a burning vehicle in southwest Birmingham late Wednesday night. The Birmingham Police Department has identified the victim as Calvin Dewayne Ball, a resident of Bessemer.
Officers from the West Precinct responded to reports of a person down at approximately 11:45 p.m. on Wednesday, to the 4300 block of Eli Avenue. Upon their arrival, the local fire department informed the police that they had extinguished the flames and discovered an unresponsive man inside. Calvin Ball was pronounced dead at 11:53 p.m.
The investigation has categorized the case as a homicide; however, details surrounding the circumstances leading to Ball’s death remain limited. An autopsy is scheduled to ascertain the exact cause of death.
This tragic event marks Calvin Dewayne Ball as Birmingham’s 31st homicide victim of the year. In total, Jefferson County has reported 46 homicides thus far in 2023, with a significant portion occurring within Birmingham city limits.
The incident follows a chilling pattern for the Ball family, as Calvin’s son, Ja’Calvin Demond Ball, was a murder victim in a similar case involving a burning vehicle last year. Ja’Calvin Ball was found deceased in October in a car in the Airport Highlands neighborhood, which also exhibited signs of being set on fire. The police uncovered charred remains, highlighting the unsettling nature of both cases.
Calvin Ball is reported to be the sixth murder victim in Birmingham in the past month, with previous cases remaining unsolved. Neither Calvin nor Ja’Calvin’s murder investigations have led to arrests.
Officials are urging the public to assist in these investigations. Anyone with information regarding Calvin Ball’s case is encouraged to contact the Birmingham homicide detectives at 205-254-1764. Additionally, tips can be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
The rising homicide rate in Birmingham has raised community concerns, with local leaders and residents expressing a need for greater safety measures and increased law enforcement presence. Given the similarity in the circumstances surrounding both Calvin’s and Ja’Calvin’s deaths, the police may be looking for connections that could aid in solving both cases.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities remain vigilant in gathering evidence and pursuing leads to bring justice for the Ball family, who are grappling with an unimaginable loss. The pain felt by families affected by violence is palpable, and the community continues to seek answers in the hope of preventing further tragedies.
The Birmingham Police Department is committed to diligence in resolving this ongoing investigation and the cases linked to it. Community support and information could prove vital in narrowing down leads and bringing to justice those responsible for these acts of violence.
The recent spike in homicides has cast a shadow over Birmingham, emphasizing the urgent need for action to combat violent crime in the area. The residents hope for timely resolutions to these cases as part of a broader initiative to ensure safety and security within their neighborhoods.
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Additional Resources
- WBRC: 44-Year-Old Man Found Dead in Birmingham
- AL.com: Male Critically Injured in Midday Shooting
- WVTM13: McDaniel Murder and Mass Shooting in Birmingham
- ABC News: Birmingham Shooting with Multiple Casualties
- WBRC: Second Man Charged with Capital Murder in Birmingham
- Wikipedia: Homicide in the United States
- Google Search: Birmingham Homicides
- Google Scholar: Violent Crime in Birmingham
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Birmingham Crime
- Google News: Birmingham Homicide News
