Media Release 183
Homicide Investigation Update
The Birmingham Police Department reports an arrest has been made in connection to the
homicide of Raven Swain. Swain was murdered on Tuesday, July 28, 2020 at
Underwood Park located in the 1100 block of 26th Street South.
The suspect has been identified as
Solomon Minatee III, (24), B/M, of Birmingham, Alabama.
Detectives presented information gathered on the case to the Jefferson County District
Attorney’s Office for review. After the assessment of information, BPD Detectives
obtained a Capitol Murder Warrant (NO BOND) for Minatee’s arrest. Solomon Minatee
III was arrested and is currently in the custody of the Jefferson County Jail.
See the attached mugshot.
Homicide Investigation
Original Release
The Birmingham Police Department reports detectives are conducting a homicide
investigation. The incident occurred on Tuesday, July 28, 2020.
The victim has been identified as Raven Swain, (24), B/F, of Birmingham,
Alabama.
At approximately 7:09 p.m., officers from South Precinct responded to Underwood Park
in the 1100 block of 26th Street on reports of a person running with a handgun after
shots were heard in the area.
Upon arrival, officers were notified of a car lodged in the
bushes at the entrance of the park parking lot. Upon further investigation officers
discovered the victim Raven Swain in the driver’s seat of the unresponsive suffering
from a gunshot wound. Swain was pronounced deceased on the scene by Birmingham
Fire and Rescue.
Details are limited in this investigation. There are no suspects in custody and detectives
have not developed a motive. Updates will be provided as details come available.
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 59th 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
Click to Print
Media-Release-183-Homicide-Investigation-Update-REVISED-Raven-Swain