News Summary
TyJuan Martez Phillips, 39, has been charged with capital murder following the death of 44-year-old Calvin Dewayne Ball, who was found unresponsive in a burning vehicle. The incident, which occurred on Eli Avenue, is particularly disturbing as it bears similarities to the previous unsolved murder of Ball’s son. Phillips has been booked without bond as authorities investigate the case further.
Birmingham – TyJuan Martez Phillips, 39, has been charged with capital murder following the death of 44-year-old Calvin Dewayne Ball. The incident took place on May 21, 2025, when Ball was discovered unresponsive in a partially burned vehicle on Eli Avenue in Birmingham’s southwest side.
Officers responded to a distress call at approximately 11:45 p.m. on that night, but it was the Knoxville firefighters who arrived first. They successfully extinguished the flames before uncovering Ball’s body inside the vehicle. The medical authorities confirmed his death at 11:53 p.m. and have since stated that the cause of death is pending further examination by the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office.
Authorities have yet to disclose the motive behind Ball’s murder. TyJuan Phillips turned himself in to the Jefferson County Jail in Bessemer on June 23, 2025, where he was booked at 9:30 p.m. He is currently being held without bond as the investigation continues.
This case has garnered significant attention due to its chilling similarities with a prior incident involving Ball’s son, Ja’Calvin Demond Ball, who was murdered under comparable circumstances in October 2024. Ja’Calvin, aged 20, along with 20-year-old Antonio Kasey James, was discovered in a burning vehicle in the Airport Highland neighborhood. The investigation into Ja’Calvin’s death remains unresolved, with law enforcement employing DNA and dental records for identification purposes, yet no arrests have been made.
The Birmingham Police Department gathered and presented sufficient evidence against Phillips to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, which led to the capital murder charge. This legal proceeding marks a significant development in a case rife with tragedy and familial loss.
As the investigation continues, local authorities reaffirm their commitment to pursuing justice for Calvin Ball and his family. The community watches closely, hoping for resolution and answers in both this case and the previous murder of Ja’Calvin Ball.
Ball’s death and the associated charges against Phillips reflect ongoing concerns about violence in the Birmingham area, leading citizens to call for stronger community safety measures and improved investigative practices in fatal incidents. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information regarding either case to come forward to assist in their investigations.
The dark shadow of past tragedies looms over this latest incident, intensifying the urgency for resolution and highlighting the emotional toll on those affected by such violent crimes.
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Additional Resources
- ABC3340
- Google Search: capital murder birmingham
- WBRC
- Wikipedia: Murder in the United States
- AL.com
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Murder
- WVTM13
- Google News: Birmingham homicide
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.
