Media Release 228
Murder Reclassification
The Birmingham Police Department reports the ruling of justifiable homicide in the death of Mario Kindred has been declared a murder.
On August 19, 2020, investigators presented the information gathered on the case to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s office for review. Following the assessment of the information, the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office ruled the actions justifiable.
On October 22, 2020, investigators re-submitted the case to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office based on additional developments in the case. The Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office re-ruled the shooting as a murder.
The suspect in this case is currently at large. The suspect’s identity will remain confidential for operational purposes. The identity of the suspect will be released upon apprehension.
Birmingham has investigated 83 homicides in 2020, 13 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 below to print and view previous updates on the case:
Media Release 228-Murder Reclassification-Mario Joe Kindred