Birmingham, Alabama, July 31, 2025
News Summary
A local teenager, Reginald Pope, was tragically killed in a shooting incident in Birmingham, prompting community grief and support. The 17-year-old football player was discovered unresponsive at an apartment, and a juvenile suspect has been charged with reckless manslaughter. The Woodlawn High School community expressed their sorrow and initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support Pope’s family. The Birmingham Police continue to investigate the incident, highlighting concerns about youth gun violence and community solidarity during tragedies.
Birmingham Community Grieves for Reginald Pope Following Fatal Shooting
Birmingham, Alabama – A local teenager, Reginald Pope, was tragically killed in a shooting incident on Friday, July 25, 2024, sparking an outpouring of grief and support from the community. The 17-year-old rising senior and football player at Woodlawn High School was discovered unresponsive in the 7500 block of 67th Courtway South around 8:30 a.m. by first responders, who pronounced him dead at the scene.
The shooting occurred in a Gate City apartment where numerous individuals were present at the time. Investigators uncovered that a juvenile suspect had taken hold of Pope’s gun. In a series of unfortunate events, the suspect, after removing the magazine from the firearm, inadvertently discharged the weapon while aiming it at Pope, leading to the fatalities.
As a result, the Birmingham Police Department has charged a 17-year-old with reckless manslaughter. This charge, which is defined under Alabama law as unintentionally causing death through reckless actions, is classified as a Class B felony. The repercussions for this offense can involve a prison sentence of between 2 to 20 years.
Reginald Pope was not only a promising athlete but also a beloved member of the Woodlawn High School community, which has expressed heartfelt condolences in light of his passing. The school has reflected on Pope’s vibrant personality, acknowledging that “his light, laughter, and legacy will forever be a part of the Woodlawn family.”
Following the tragedy, community members and local businesses have mobilized to support Pope’s family during this difficult time. Gus’s Hotdogs, a neighborhood eatery and supporter of local initiatives, launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the funeral expenses for Reginald Pope. The campaign emphasizes the need for community solidarity, underscoring that no parent should have to bear the pain of burying their child.
The juvenile suspect involved in the shooting is in custody at the Jefferson County Jail, where bail is set at $30,000. The Birmingham Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and encourages anyone with additional information to step forward.
Background Context
Incidents of gun violence among youth have become a significant concern across many communities. They raise critical questions about safety, responsibility, and the need for preventive measures to protect young individuals. The sorrowful loss of Reginald Pope serves as a painful reminder of the urgent need for awareness and change surrounding firearm access and safety interventions.
Community Response
The support for Reginald Pope’s family has highlighted the strength of communal bonds in times of tragedy. This response reflects a community coming together, with many individuals recognizing the importance of supporting each other in facing the grief caused by such unexpected and violent occurrences.
Investigation Updates
The Birmingham Police Department continues its investigation into the shooting. At this time, they are collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and seeking out any additional leads that may clarify the situation regarding Reginald Pope’s death.
FAQ Section
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who was Reginald Pope?
- Reginald Pope was a 17-year-old rising senior and football player at Woodlawn High School in Birmingham, Alabama.
- What happened to Reginald Pope?
- He was killed in a shooting incident in a Gate City apartment on July 25, 2024.
- What charges were filed in connection to his death?
- A 17-year-old has been charged with reckless manslaughter related to the incident.
- What does reckless manslaughter mean?
- Reckless manslaughter is defined as unintentionally causing another person’s death through reckless conduct and is classified as a Class B felony in Alabama.
- How can the community support Reginald’s family?
- The community can support the family through donations to the GoFundMe campaign organized by local businesses to help with funeral expenses.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Reginald Pope, 17, student, and football player. |
| Date of Incident | July 25, 2024 |
| Location | 7500 block of 67th Courtway South, Birmingham, Alabama. |
| Circumstances | Juvenile suspect accidentally discharged a gun aiming at Pope. |
| Charges Filed | Reckless manslaughter against a 17-year-old. |
| Community Support | GoFundMe campaign initiated for funeral expenses. |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing by the Birmingham Police Department. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
UAB Hospital Maintains Top Ranking in Alabama Healthcare
Birmingham Community Unites for Teen Shooting Victim’s Family
Convicted Murderer Larry Lowe Kidnaps Texas Family
Tragic Shooting Claims Life of Woodlawn High Student
Birmingham Public Library’s Summer Reading Series Concludes
Birmingham City Schools Implement Device Ban to Improve Focus
United Way Hosts Day of Mentoring for Local Students
Tragic Death of Three-Year-Old Highlights Safety Concerns
Birmingham Police Arrest Suspect for Capital Murder
Birmingham Police Investigate Recent Shootings
Additional Resources
- AL.com: Popular Birmingham hot dog spot raises money for employee
- Wikipedia: Gun violence in the United States
- ABC3340: Juvenile charged in shooting death of Birmingham teen
- Google Search: Gun Safety Measures
- WVTM13: Birmingham Police arrest in teen shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Juvenile Law
- WBRC: Birmingham Police conduct death investigation after shooting
- Google News: Community Support for Shooting Victims
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.
