Birmingham, Alabama, October 3, 2025
News Summary
LaVentrice Denise Tolbert, a 40-year-old woman, was fatally shot at her home in Birmingham by her boyfriend, who later took his own life. Denise had been in an abusive relationship for seven years, raising awareness about domestic violence issues. The community plans a vigil and funeral to honor her memory.
Birmingham, Alabama – LaVentrice Denise Tolbert, a 40-year-old woman known fondly as “Vent,” was found dead from a gunshot wound at her home on the east side of Birmingham early Wednesday morning. The incident has become a stark reminder of the tragic consequences of domestic abuse, as Denise’s longtime boyfriend, Tony Dewayne Davis, 35, shot her before turning the gun on himself.
Authorities reported that Denise was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after officers arrived following a shooting call. Davis was discovered in a wounded state and was later transported to UAB Hospital, where he subsequently died two days later.
The grim events unfolded just two days after Denise had a poignant conversation with her sister, Monique Tolbert. During their visit while on break from their jobs at Birmingham’s Top Golf, Denise had expressed her wishes regarding her own funeral plans, indicating that she wanted her sister to be strong in the face of her potential passing.
Denise had endured an abusive relationship with Davis for approximately seven years, which Monique had often warned her to escape. Witnesses reported hearing a gunshot on the night of the incident, with one witness discovering Davis with a gun to his head when they investigated the noise.
Described as vibrant, compassionate, and fun-loving, Denise worked as a Family Dollar general manager for ten years before becoming a cook at Top Golf, where she enjoyed working alongside her sister. She was also a beloved aunt to nearly a dozen nieces and nephews, including Monique’s two children.
In light of this tragedy, Monique hopes Denise’s death will serve as a cautionary tale for others trapped in abusive relationships. She urges them to seek help and discuss their situations openly. A vigil and balloon release in memory of Denise are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Birmingham’s City Walk, and her funeral is planned for Saturday at Greater Grace Baptist Church on Center Point Parkway.
This incident raises pressing questions about domestic violence and the need for awareness and support for those in abusive relationships. Reports indicate that domestic violence remains a critical issue across the country, emphasizing the importance of community awareness and intervention.
FAQs
What happened to LaVentrice Denise Tolbert?
LaVentrice Denise Tolbert was found dead from a gunshot wound at her home in east Birmingham. Her longtime boyfriend, Tony Dewayne Davis, shot her before turning the gun on himself.
When did the incident occur?
The incident occurred early Wednesday morning when Denise was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after officers arrived on a shooting call.
What did Denise express to her sister Monique?
Denise expressed her desire for her funeral to be planned by her sister Monique, stating, “When I leave, you will be the one to plan my funeral,” indicating she wanted her sister to be strong.
How long had Denise been in an abusive relationship?
Denise had been in an abusive relationship with Tony Dewayne Davis for about seven years.
What are the planned events following Denise’s death?
A vigil and balloon release in memory of Denise are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at Birmingham’s City Walk, and her funeral is planned for Saturday at Greater Grace Baptist Church on Center Point Parkway.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | LaVentrice Denise Tolbert, age 40 |
| Incident Type | Domestic Shooting |
| Perpetrator | Tony Dewayne Davis, age 35 |
| Location | Home, east Birmingham, Alabama |
| Timeline | Date of incident: Early Wednesday; Denise pronounced dead at 12:30 a.m.; Davis died two days later. |
| Relationship Duration | Approximately 7 years of abuse |
| Vigil & Funeral | Vigil on Wednesday at City Walk; Funeral on Saturday at Greater Grace Baptist Church |
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Additional Resources
- BBC News Article
- Wikipedia: Domestic Violence
- ITV News Article
- Google Search: Domestic Violence Support
- AL.com News Article
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Domestic Violence
- WBRC News Article
- Google News: Birmingham Shooting
- ABC3340 News Article
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.
