Birmingham Police Department
Commitment | Excellence | Integrity

Double Homicide Investigation

The Birmingham Police Department is conducting a double homicide investigation. The incident occurred on Monday, September 4, 2023.

The victims have been identified as:

1. Markiezia Atkins, (24), B/F, of Center Point, Alabama.
2. Chaveda Willis, (33), B/F, of Birmingham, Alabama.

INITIAL CALL

At approximately 2:35 a.m., South Precinct officers were dispatched to UAB Hospital (1802 6^th Avenue South) on report of Multiple People Shot.

Officers arrived on the scene and then made contact with UAB Police officers; our officers learned that Markiezia Atkins, Chaveda Willis, and an adult male arrived at UAB Hospital, by private vehicle, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.

Our officers learned that at least two suspects fired upon the victims while they were at UAB Hospital.

NOTE: A UAB Hospital Emergency Room door and a UAB Police patrol vehicle were struck by gunfire.

UAB Hospital staff pronounced Markiezia Atkins and Chaveda Willis deceased. The adult male victim has suffered life-threatening injuries.

While officers were at UAB Hospital, they learned two additional adult female gunshot victims arrived by private vehicle; the two additional adult female victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION

The preliminary investigation suggests all five victims were in the 900 Block of 5^th Avenue North near a local area lounge when gunfire erupted.

We believe the gunfire stemmed from a targeted attack; however, many of the victims who were struck appear to have been bystanders.

There is no one in custody.

If there is anyone who has information pertaining to the case, please contact the B.P.D. Homicide Unit @ 205-254-1764 or remain anonymous and receive a cash reward by dialing Crime Stoppers @ 205-254-7777.

Crime Stoppers pays tipsters cash rewards of up to $5,000 for their tips.

This is Birmingham’s 83^rd & 84^th murder investigation of 2023 with 7 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 in 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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Media Release 185- Double Homicide Investigation- 5th Avenue North

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