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Media Release 20- Arrest Made in Homicide Investigation

Arrest Made in Homicide Investigation

Update

The Birmingham Police Department has made an arrest in the homicide of Richard Spence. Spence was murdered on Friday, January 14, 2022.

 

The suspect has been identified as:

 Clearence Jr Speed, (24), B/M, of Birmingham, Alabama.

 

Detectives obtained a warrant with the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office for Capital Murder and Possession of an Altered Firearm. Clearance Speed was arrested for his warrant and will remain in the custody of the Jefferson County Jail with no bond.

 

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Media Release 20-Arrest Made in Homicide- Richard Spence

Homicide Investigation

Media Release 15

The Birmingham Police Department reports detectives are conducting a homicide investigation. The incident occurred early Friday morning on January 14, 2022.

The victim has been identified as Richard Spence, (56), b/m of Birmingham, Alabama.

At approximately 3:26 a.m., officers from the West Precinct responded to t call of a person shot at 816 7th Street Southwest. Upon arrival officers were advised the victim was transported to Princeton Hospital in a private vehicle. Officers responded to Princeton Hospital where they learned Richard Spence was pronounced deceased by hospital staff.

The preliminary investigation indicates the victim was involved in an argument with the suspect prior to being shot multiple times. The incident took place at a private residence with several people present. A person of interest is being questioned by investigators. No formal charges have been filed in this case. Updates will be provided as this case develops.

If there is anyone who has information pertaining to the case, please contact the B.P.D. Homicide Unit @ 205-254-1764, Crime Stoppers @ 205-254-7777.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers through the Birmingham Police Department’s Mobile App.

This is Birmingham’s 9th murder investigation of 2022.

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**