Media Release 222-BPD Arrests Suspects in Fatal Hit-and-Run Illegal Street Racing Incident
BPD Arrests Suspects in Fatal Hit-and-Run Illegal Street Racing Incident
The Birmingham Police Department reports that officers have arrested three men in connection to a fatal hit-and-run illegal street racing incident that claimed the life of Geremy Earl Fantroy Picking.
The incident occurred on Sunday, October 8, 2023, in the 1700 Block of Bessemer Road.
Initial Call
At around 11:05 p.m., West Precinct officers were notified of a Pedestrian Struck in the 1700 Block of Bessemer Road.
Officers arrived on the scene and observed Geremy Earl Fantroy Picking lying unresponsive in the roadway.
Birmingham Fire and Rescue personnel arrived on the scene and pronounced him deceased.
BPD Wreck investigators arrived on the scene and began their investigation.
Our investigators learned the victim had been struck by a Red Chrysler 300 that was with several vehicles fleeing the area from BPD officers after possibly illegally street racing. Officers were pursuing a possible stolen Yellow KIA Stinger and were not in pursuit of the Red Chrysler 300.
Preliminary Investigation- Officers Investigated Illegal Street Racing; Pursuit with Yellow KIA Stinger
The preliminary investigation revealed that BPD officers responded near the Birmingham Crossplex (2340 Crossplex Boulevard) after a report of illegal street racing taking place in the area.
Officers learned a Yellow KIA Stinger was one of the vehicles engaged in illegal street racing; additionally, officers learned the Yellow KIA Stinger was possibly a stolen vehicle.
Officers attempted a traffic stop on the vehicle in the 5700 Block of Bessemer Road; the driver refused to stop, and a chase ensued before being called off near I-59 North and the Valley Road Exit due to the driver’s actions.
Officers observed the Yellow KIA Stringer, stationary, on I-59 North. They approached the vehicle and observed an adult male standing in the driver’s doorway of the vehicle.
Officers observed two handguns in the vehicle. Officers took the adult male into custody.
The suspect has been identified as:
Antonio Gonzales-Rebeles Jr., (22), H/M, of Adamsville, Alabama.
BPD officers presented case information to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office-Bessemer Division. After an assessment of the information, officers obtained the following arrest warrants for Antonio Gonzales-Rebeles Jr.: Felony Attempting to Elude ($10,000 Bond), Reckless Endangerment ($1,000 Bond), and Resisting Arrest ($1,000 Bond).
Antonio Gonzales-Rebeles Jr was booked into the Jefferson County Jail.
Officers seized the Yellow KIA Stinger and two handguns during this arrest.
Fatal Hit-and-Run Investigation
During this investigation, investigators learned the Red Chrysler 300 that struck Geremy fled the area while officers were pursuing the Yellow KIA Stinger.
Investigators observed footage of the Chrysler 300 striking the victim. Officers were never in pursuit of the Red Chrysler 300.
Investigators identified the suspected driver of the Red Chrysler 300.
The suspect has been identified as:
Malic Paradise, (20), B/M, of Birmingham, Alabama.
Birmingham Police Wreck Investigators presented case information to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office-Bessemer Division. After an assessment of the information, investigators obtained the following arrest warrants for Malic Paradise: Manslaughter ($30,000 Bond), Leaving the Scene of an Accident-With Injury ($15,000 Bond), and Attempting to Elude ($15,000 Bond).
On Wednesday, October 18, 2023, BPD officers arrested Malic Paradise at Walmart (9248 Parkway East).
Malic Paradise was booked into the Jefferson County Jail.
Officers seized a handgun from him during his arrest.
NOTE: Investigators have recovered the Red Chrysler 300 believed to have been driven by Malic Paradise.
Hindering Prosecution Arrest
BPD Wreck investigators learned facts in this investigation that led them to believe Malic Paradise’s brother, Kijuntai Paradise, assisted him by destroying evidence.
The suspect has been identified as:
Kijuntai Paradise, (23), B/M, of Birmingham, Alabama.
Birmingham Police Investigators presented case information to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office-Bessemer Division. After an assessment of the information, investigators obtained a warrant for Hindering Prosecution ($8,000 Bond).
On Wednesday, October 18, 2023, BPD officers arrested Kijuntai Paradise in East Birmingham.
Kijuntai Paradise is in custody and will later be booked into the Jefferson County Jail.
Summary
The Birmingham Police Department reports that officers have arrested three men in connection to a fatal hit-and-run illegal street racing incident that claimed the life of Geremy Earl Fantroy Picking.
BPD officers made the following arrests:
- Malic Paradise, (20), B/M, of Birmingham, Alabama.
Manslaughter ($30,000 Bond), Leaving the Scene of an Accident-With Injury ($15,000 Bond), and Attempting to Elude ($15,000 Bond).
- Kijuntai Paradise, (23), B/M, of Birmingham, Alabama.
Hindering Prosecution ($8,000 Bond).
- Antonio Gonzales-Rebeles Jr., (22), H/M, of Adamsville, Alabama.
Felony Attempting to Elude ($10,000 Bond), Reckless Endangerment ($1,000 Bond), and Resisting Arrest ($1,000 Bond).
BPD officers have recovered the Red Chrysler 300 believed to have struck Geremy Earl Fantroy Picking.
Officers seized a Yellow KIA Stinger and three handguns in total during these arrests.
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Media Release 222-BPD Arrests Suspects in Fatal Hit-and-Run Illegal Street Racing Incident
Malic Paradise Kijuntai Paradise Antonio Gonzales-Rebeles Jr.
