Birmingham Family Seeks Justice One Year After Tragic Loss
It has been a year since 40-year-old Dominick Peterson was found shot in the back on Walnut Avenue, and his family in Birmingham is still grappling with the emotional aftermath of his death. As the anniversary of his passing approached on October 26, 2023, the pain of loss has only deepened for those who knew and loved him.
Peterson’s mother, Frankie Riggs, is at the forefront of the family’s grief. She has expressed her frustration at the lack of communication from the authorities regarding the investigation into her son’s death. “I just want somebody within the department to let me know. That my son does matter,” Riggs stated, highlighting her yearning for updates and closure.
A Search for Answers
According to reports, Peterson was discovered with gunshot wounds, and the case has remained unsolved since that tragic day. The Birmingham Police Department has indicated that the investigation is still active. However, Riggs feels that the passage of time has left her family in the dark. “I think they just pushed it aside, saying cold case, that’s what I think,” she shared, expressing her disappointment in the lack of recent developments.
For Riggs, the loss of her only son feels as raw today as it did a year ago. “I feel like I’m close to him. He’s still alive, but somewhere I know he’s not,” she said, revealing the emotional struggles that accompany such profound grief. As the last person to see Peterson alive, Riggs carries a heavy burden of sorrow and unanswered questions.
A Day of Remembrance
In an effort to honor her son’s memory, Riggs organized a memorial service on the anniversary of his passing. “I took Saturday, the 26th, his death day, as a holiday for me. I did a lot. I performed the whole memorial service. I rented a place, I cooked food. I invited everybody out to come and help me keep him alive,” she recalled. Through this gathering, Riggs aimed to celebrate Peterson’s life and ensure that he is not forgotten.
Despite the challenges, Riggs has remained hopeful. She urges anyone with information about Peterson’s death to come forward, believing that even the smallest piece of information could provide a much-needed path toward healing. The Birmingham Police Department encourages anyone with tips to reach out directly or to submit information anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
A Community’s Role
The community plays a vital role in supporting families like the Petersons during these difficult times. Local citizens are reminded that many unsolved cases can benefit from public awareness and cooperation. As the family continues to seek closure, the residents of Birmingham are encouraged to stand with them and help bridge the gap between loss and justice.
As the future remains uncertain for Riggs and her family, one thing is clear: the fight for justice for Dominick Peterson remains at the forefront of their minds. “I just want to keep him alive. I don’t know yet how to let go,” Riggs concluded, encapsulating the enduring love that will forever connect them.
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.
