Birmingham, July 31, 2025
News Summary
A juvenile suspect has been charged with reckless manslaughter in connection with the tragic shooting death of 17-year-old Reginald Pope in Birmingham. The incident occurred in an apartment where Pope and friends were present. The suspect unintentionally discharged the weapon that resulted in Pope’s death, bringing attention to alarming gun violence statistics in the area. Community efforts are underway to support Pope’s family during this challenging time as they navigate their loss and grief.
Birmingham: Juvenile Charged in Reckless Manslaughter of 17-Year-Old Reginald Pope in Shooting
In Birmingham, a juvenile suspect has been charged with reckless manslaughter following the tragic shooting death of 17-year-old Reginald Pope. The incident occurred on Friday morning at around 8:30 a.m. inside an apartment located in the 7500 block of 67th Courtway South, where Pope was with friends.
Birmingham police announced that a warrant had been issued against the unnamed juvenile, who has since been arrested by the Crime Reduction Team. As per police reports, multiple individuals were present when the gun was fired, leading to Pope being shot and subsequently pronounced dead at the scene by the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service.
The investigation determined that the juvenile suspect had taken Pope’s firearm, removed the magazine, and while pointing the weapon at Pope, failed to realize that a bullet remained in the chamber, which led to the fatal shooting. This incident adds to the troubling statistics of gun violence in Birmingham, with Pope marking the 46th homicide victim in the city this year, and a total of 71 homicides recorded in Jefferson County.
Charges and Legal Context
In Alabama, the charge of reckless manslaughter involves causing the unintentional death of another person through reckless behavior. If convicted, the juvenile could face a prison sentence ranging from two to 20 years.
Community Response and Legacy
Reginald Pope was a rising senior and a valued football player at Woodlawn High School. In the wake of his tragic passing, the school expressed condolences and honored his memory, emphasizing the lasting impact of his light and legacy on the Woodlawn family.
In efforts to support Pope’s family during this heartbreaking time, Gus’s Hot Dogs—a local restaurant where Pope’s father, Carl “LA” Alexander, works—has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for the young man’s funeral expenses. The owner of the restaurant commended Alexander for his positive influence in the community over the past two decades, making a heartfelt appeal for community support, donations, and prayers for the Alexander family.
Conclusion
The community mourns the loss of Reginald Pope, while grappling with the growing concerns surrounding gun violence and the implications that it brings. As the investigation continues, the Birmingham community is called to unite in support of those affected by this tragedy.
FAQ Section
What happened to Reginald Pope?
Reginald Pope was shot and killed in a Gate City apartment while with friends. The shooting was accidental, caused by a juvenile who pointed a gun at Pope without realizing it was loaded.
What charges is the juvenile facing?
The juvenile faces charges of reckless manslaughter, which can carry a penalty of two to 20 years in prison if convicted.
How did the local community respond to Pope’s death?
Woodlawn High School honored Reginald Pope’s memory, and the local restaurant, Gus’s Hot Dogs, is raising funds for his funeral expenses, encouraging community support and prayers for the family.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Reginald Pope, 17-year-old football player |
| Incident Time | Friday at approximately 8:30 a.m. |
| Shooting Location | 7500 block of 67th Courtway South, Birmingham |
| Charge | Reckless manslaughter |
| Pope’s Homicide Rank | 46th homicide in Birmingham this year |
| Funeral Fundraising | GoFundMe campaign initiated by local restaurant |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Birmingham Community Rallies to Support Grieving Father
Birmingham Community Mourns Teen Killed in Shooting
Birmingham Community Unites for Teen Shooting Victim’s Family
Tragic Shooting Claims Life of Woodlawn High Student
Birmingham Man Sentenced for 2019 Homicide
Trial Commences in Manhattan Over Death of Homeless Man in Subway Altercation
Driver Allegedly Under the Influence Indicted after Fatal Collision in Birmingham
Additional Resources
- AL.com: Arrest Made in Fatal Gate City Shooting
- ABC3340: Juvenile Charged in Shooting Death of Birmingham Teen
- WBRC: Community Raising Money for Beloved Gus’s Hot Dogs Employee
- Google Search: Gun Violence in Alabama
- CBS42: 17-Year-Old Boy Charged in Fatal East Birmingham Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Reckless Manslaughter
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.
