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Media Release 211

Arrests Made in Homicide Investigation

The Birmingham Police Department reports detectives have obtained warrants for two arrests made in connection to the murder of Hernado McJunkins.

The suspects have been identified as:

  1. Ira Dexter Eaton, (29), B/M, of Irondale, Alabama.
  1. Christopher Garcia Spencer, (35), B/M, of Birmingham, Alabama.

On Thursday, August 19, 2021, Birmingham Police Detectives presented information on the case to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office. After an assessment of the information, detectives obtained warrants for Murder on both suspects.

Ira Dexter Eaton was arrested on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, in the 6600 Block of Joppa Avenue by officers from the Community Safety Partnership Unit. He is currently in the custody of the Jefferson County Jail with No Bond.

Christopher Spencer remained at large. On Friday, August 27, 2021, Spencer was arrested in Philadelphia, Mississippi by the Philadelphia (MS) Police Department. He is currently awaiting extradition to the Jefferson County Jail.

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Homicide Investigation Update

The Birmingham Police Department reports the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim of a homicide that occurred on Tuesday, August 17, 2021.

The victim has been identified as:

Hernado McJunkins, (39), B/M, of Birmingham, Alabama.

The preliminary investigation suggests an unknown suspect shot the victim then fled the scene in an unknown vehicle.

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

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Homicide Investigation

(Media Releases 197)

The Birmingham Police Department is conducting a homicide investigation. The incident occurred on Tuesday, August 17, 2021.

The victim will be identified upon notification to the next of kin.

At approximately 2:20 a.m., North Precinct officers were dispatched to 1313 3rd Avenue North (Kings Inn) on report of a person shot. Officers arrived on the scene and observed a male victim lying unresponsive on the walkway of the property suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.

Birmingham Fire and Rescue personnel arrived on the scene and pronounced the victim deceased.

The preliminary investigation suggests an unknown suspect shot the victim then fled the scene in an unknown vehicle.

 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.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers through the Birmingham Police Department’s Mobile App on Android or IOS devices. Updates will be provided as information comes available.

 This is Birmingham’s 64th murder investigation of 2021 with 10 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**

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