Birmingham, October 21, 2025
News Summary
A 22-year-old man, Jaden Ellis Sanders, has been charged with murder following the shooting death of 73-year-old Alfred Stephens at an auto parts business in north Birmingham. The incident, which involved a verbal altercation, contributes to a troubling rise in homicides this year as Birmingham grapples with increasing gun violence. Sanders is being held without bond as authorities seek further information regarding potential witnesses to the crime.
Birmingham
A 22-year-old man has been charged with murder following the shooting death of 73-year-old Alfred Stephens at a north Birmingham auto parts business. The incident occurred on Friday around 10:15 a.m. at Pull-A-Part, which is located at 3520 27th Ave. North off Vanderbilt Road. The suspect, Jaden Ellis Sanders, was taken into custody on Monday by the Birmingham Police Department’s Crime Reduction Team.
Police reports state that officers found Stephens bleeding from his side upon their arrival at the scene. He was quickly transported to UAB Hospital by Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service, where he was pronounced dead on Saturday. Following the incident, law enforcement discovered multiple shell casings outside the main office of the auto parts business, indicating that several shots had been fired.
A preliminary investigation revealed that a verbal altercation had taken place between Sanders and Stephens prior to the shooting. This tragic event marks Stephens as the 66th homicide victim in Birmingham this year, contributing to a total of 98 homicides reported in Jefferson County.
In the aftermath of the shooting, there were conflicting reports about a man and a woman who allegedly fled the scene. Authorities are actively seeking information regarding their identities and encourage anyone with such information to reach out to Birmingham detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
Following his arrest, Sanders was taken to the Jefferson County Jail and is currently being held without bond as he awaits a hearing.
Details of the Incident
- Incident Date: Friday
- Time: Approximately 10:15 a.m.
- Location: Pull-A-Part used auto parts, 3520 27th Ave. North
- Victim: Alfred Stephens, 73
- Suspect: Jaden Ellis Sanders, 22
- Charges: Murder
- Current Status of Suspect: Held without bond in Jefferson County Jail
- Police Contact Information: 205-254-1764 (detectives), 205-254-7777 (Crime Stoppers)
Context of the Shooting
The killing of Alfred Stephens underscores the increasing concern over gun violence in Birmingham. The city has seen a significant rise in homicides this year, with the latest statistics showing a total of 98 homicides in Jefferson County. Efforts to address crime remain a top priority for law enforcement agencies in the region as they work toward securing community safety and providing justice for victims and their families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the victim in the Birmingham shooting?
The victim was Alfred Stephens, a 73-year-old man.
Who has been charged with murder?
Jaden Ellis Sanders, a 22-year-old man, has been charged with murder in connection to the shooting.
When and where did the shooting occur?
The shooting occurred on Friday at approximately 10:15 a.m. at Pull-A-Part used auto parts, located at 3520 27th Ave. North off Vanderbilt Road.
What happened to the victim after the shooting?
Alfred Stephens was transported to UAB Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on Saturday.
What was a notable finding at the crime scene?
Police found several shell casings marked in the area outside the main office of the auto parts business.
What is the current status of the suspect?
Jaden Ellis Sanders is being held without bond in the Jefferson County Jail pending a hearing.
Key Features Summary Chart
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Alfred Stephens, 73 |
| Suspect | Jaden Ellis Sanders, 22 |
| Charge | Murder |
| Incident Date | Friday |
| Time | 10:15 a.m. |
| Location | Pull-A-Part used auto parts |
| Total Homicides in Birmingham Year to Date | 66 |
| Total Homicides in Jefferson County | 98 |
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Suspect Charged in Fatal Shooting of 73-Year-Old Man at Birmingham Pull-A-Part
- CBS 42: Birmingham Police Investigating Homicide
- WBRC: Man Shot and Killed in West Birmingham Identified
- WVTM: Birmingham Shooting Murder at Ex-Apartment
- AL.com: 1 Seriously Wounded in Morning Shooting at Birmingham Pull-A-Part
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence in the United States
- Google Search: Birmingham Homicides
- Google Scholar: Homicide Rates in Birmingham
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- Google News: Birmingham Shooting
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.
