Media Release 140
Homicide Investigation
The Birmingham Police Department reports detectives are conducting a homicide investigation. The incident occurred on Tuesday, July 7, 2020.
The victim has been identified as Amin Poonawalla, (62), male, of Hoover, Alabama.
At approximately 9:48 p.m., Birmingham Police Department’s West Precinct officers were dispatched to a call of a person shot at the Ensley Food Mart located at 2500 Ave E. Multiple rounds of gunfire were detected by Shot Spotter gunfire detection system.. Upon arrival, officers discovered the store owner, Amin Poonawalla lying in the parking lot unresponsive suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was pronounced deceased on the scene by Birmingham Fire and Rescue and the Jefferson County Corner.
The preliminary investigation indicates the victim was possibly locking the store when he was approached and shot by the unknown suspect(s). Detectives have not established a clear motive in this investigation. There are no suspects in custody. 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 50th homicide investigation of 2020 and 8 justifiable death investigations and 1 non-criminal homicide (accidental shooting). 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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