Media Release 111
Homicide Reclassification Update
Non-Criminal/ Accidental Shooting
See Original Release Below
The Birmingham Police Department reports after further investigation the death of Roderick Smith has been reclassified as a non-criminal homicide/ accidental shooting.
Detectives gathered sufficient evidence along with forensic interviewing conducted by the Prescott House which contributed to the reclassification of this homicide. The investigation revealed the child did not sustain a gunshot wound, however he was injured by the slide of the firearm when the firearm discharged. Evidence suggest the child accidentally discharged the weapon striking the victim.
Detectives presented this case to the District Attorney’s Office. Upon review, this investigation has been classified as a non-criminal homicide and evidence presented revealed this shooting to be accidental.
The homicide of Roderick Smith will no longer count as homicide #35.
The Birmingham Police Department has investigated 42 homicides as of 2020, 5 justifiable death investigations, and 1 non-criminal homicide investigation. 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.
Homicide Investigation
Original Media Release. 95
The Birmingham Police Department reports detectives are conducting a homicide investigation. The incident occurred on Saturday May 9, 2020.
The victim’s has been identified as
Roderick Smith, (32), B/M, of Birmingham, Alabama.
At approximately 9:48 p.m., Officers from the West Precinct responded to a call of a person shot at 1221 Gulfport Street. Upon arrival officers discovered a child (age 7) suffering from a gunshot wound to the hand. The child was transported to Children’s Hospital. Upon further investigation, officers discovered a male victim inside the residence on the floor suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced deceased on scene by Birmingham Fire and Rescue.
The preliminary investigation suggest after the incident occurred the child went to a neighbor’s home to summon help. Detectives have limited information in this investigation. There are no suspect(s) in custody. Detectives have not established a clear motive in this homicide. This is an ongoing investigation.
If there is anyone who has 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 35th homicide investigation of 2020 and 5 justifiable death investigations. 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
