Media Release 103
Arrest Made in Homicide Investigation
(Update)
The Birmingham Police Department reports an arrest has been made in connection to the murder of Lazonathan Rhodes. Rhodes was murdered on Friday, March 19, 2021 in the parking lot of Roebuck Plaza Shopping Center located at 9120 Parkway East.
The suspect has been identified as:
Ja’Marcus Jordan, (18), b/m, of Hueytown, Alabama.
On April 13, 20210, Birmingham Police Detectives presented information on the case to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office. After an assessment of the information, detectives obtained a warrant for the arrest of Ja’marcus Jordan for Murder.
On April 16, 2021 Jamarcus Jordan was arrested at a residence in McCalla, Alabama during the execution of a search warrant. The defendant was arrested and transported to the Jefferson County Jail. Jordan is being held on a $250,000 bond.
During the search warrant five guns were seized along with narcotics which has prompted further investigation.
Homicide Investigation
The Birmingham Police Department is conducting a homicide investigation. The incident occurred on Friday, March 19, 2021.
The victim has been identified as: Lazonathan Rhodes, (25), B/M, of Birmingham, Alabama.
At approximately 3:50 p.m., East Precinct officers responded to 9120 Parkway East (Roebuck Plaza Shopping Center) on report of a person shot. Officers arrived on the scene and made contact with one shooting victim in the parking lot of the shopping center. That victim was transported to UAB Hospital where the victim was pronounced deceased upon arrival. Additionally, officers learned a second gunshot victim arrived at St. Vincent’s East Hospital by way of personal vehicle. The second gunshot victim suffered a non-life-threatening injury.
The preliminary investigation suggests an argument ensued in the parking lot of the shopping center which ultimately led to shots being fired. Both parties who were struck by gunfire are believed to have been involved in the initial altercation. At this time, multiple vehicles were struck by gunfire; however, no businesses nor bystanders were struck by gunfire. Officers detained a person of interest on the scene for questioning.
If there is anyone who has additional information pertaining to the case, please contact the B.P.D. Homicide Unit @ 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers @ 205-254- 7777.
This is Birmingham’s 19th murder investigation of 2021 with 1 justifiable homicide ruling. The Birmingham Police Department adheres to FBI Uniform Crime Reporting guidelines set for all law enforcement agencies across the United States. FBI Uniform Crime Reporting guidelines do not require law enforcement agencies to include justifiable death investigations into the total homicide investigations counts.
**The information is based on a preliminary and ongoing investigation, which continues to evolve as investigators interview witnesses, review physical and electronic records, and analyze forensic evidence. The Department’s understanding of the facts and circumstances may change as additional evidence is collected and analyzed**
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