Birmingham, AL, July 24, 2025

News Summary

Birmingham authorities are investigating two tragic homicide cases that occurred within a day. The first involves the fatal shooting of Devin Wayne Hughes, while the second involves Willie James Powell, shot by his son following a dispute. These incidents have prompted police to seek public assistance as the community grapples with the violence.

Birmingham Police Investigate Homicides Involving Father-Son Shooting and Driver Shot in Ensley

Birmingham authorities are actively investigating two separate homicide cases that occurred just a day apart in the city. The incidents have left the community shaken and are prompting police to reach out for public assistance in their inquiries.

Two Fatal Shootings Reported

The first incident took place on Wednesday, July 23, at approximately 3 a.m. when Birmingham police responded to reports of shots fired into a vehicle in the 1300 block of 42nd Street Ensley. The driver, identified as 32-year-old Devin Wayne Hughes, lost control of the car and crashed into a front yard on Avenue L. While passengers from the vehicle sought help, first responders pronounced Hughes dead at the scene. A person of interest has been taken into custody, but no further charges have been filed as authorities continue their investigation.

Father-Son Dispute Leads to Second Shooting

Prior to the Ensley shooting, on Tuesday, July 22, police responded to a report of a shooting in the 3800 block of Fourth Street West. 36-year-old Willie James Powell was discovered unresponsive on the street and was subsequently transported to UAB Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 3:56 p.m. This altercation arose from a dispute between Powell and his son following an argument at a nearby home. The confrontation escalated outside, resulting in the son fatally shooting his father.

Investigation Outcomes and Community Response

Following the shooting, the son was briefly detained for questioning but was released without charges. The Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office has classified the shooting as justifiable. In light of the sensitive nature of both cases, Birmingham Police have categorized the father-son shooting as a justified death investigation.

Authorities are urging anyone with information related to either shooting to come forward. The Birmingham Police Department is working diligently to gather further leads in both investigations, aiming to provide answers to the community and the families involved.

Community Engagement

As the investigations unfold, community members are encouraged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities or information related to these tragic events. Assistance from the public is crucial in helping law enforcement solve these cases effectively.

Key Details of the Incidents

• Date of Events: July 22-23, 2023
• Locations: 1300 block of 42nd Street Ensley and 3800 block of Fourth Street West
• Victims: Devin Wayne Hughes (32) and Willie James Powell (36)
• Status of Suspects: One detained in Hughes’ case; son released in Powell’s case
• Investigation Types: Ongoing homicide investigations; justified death investigation in Powell case

Background Context

These recent homicides have highlighted ongoing issues of violence within Birmingham and serve as a reminder of the dangers that can arise from domestic disputes. The Birmingham Police Department has expressed commitment to addressing these incidents through continued investigation and community engagement.

FAQ

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Birmingham Police Charge 21-Year-Old in Fatal Shooting Case
Birmingham Victims of Separate Shootings Identified
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Tragic Shooting Claims Life of 24-Year-Old in Birmingham

Additional Resources

• AL.com
• Wikipedia: Birmingham, Alabama
• WVTM 13
• Google Search: Birmingham homicides 2023
• WBRC
• Google Scholar: Birmingham shootings 2023
• ABC 33/40
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Birmingham
• AL.com
• Google News: Birmingham police department

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.