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Media Release 276

Reclassification-Justifiable Death Ruling

The Birmingham Police Department reports detectives have received a ruling in connection to the homicide investigation of Ahmad Cockrell. The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 22, 2021.

Investigators presented the information gathered to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s office for review. Following the assessment, the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office ruled the actions justifiable. This investigation is reclassified as a Justified Death Investigation.

The Birmingham Police Department has 92 murders thus far in 2021 and 13 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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Media Release 276-Reclassification-Justifiable Death Ruling

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