Media Release 229
Homicide/ Suicide Investigation
The Birmingham Police Department reports detectives have conducted a homicide/suicide investigation. The incident occurred on Friday, October 23, 2020.
The victim has been identified as Janette Cung, (74), W/F, of Birmingham, Alabama.
The suspect has been identified as Jonathan Cung (74) W/M of Birmingham, Alabama.
At approximately 4:02 a.m. officers from East Precinct responded to a house fire at 1355 Hartford Drive. Upon making entry into the residence Birmingham Fire and Rescue personnel discovered Janette Cung and Jonathan Cung (husband/wife) inside lying on the floor unresponsive. Janette Cung was pronounced deceased at location. Jonathan Cung was transported to St. Vincent’s East where he succumb to his injuries.
The investigation revealed Janette Cung suffered from injuries consistent with blunt force trauma along with smoke inhalation. The suspect Jonathan Cung is believed to have committed suicide.
This is Birmingham’s 84th homicide investigation of 2020 and 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**
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Media Release 229-Homicide-Suicide Investiagation
