Media Release 302-Reclassification of Justifiable Homicide
Reclassification of Justifiable Homicide
The Birmingham Police Department reports detectives have received a ruling in connection to the homicide investigation of Matthew Gelpin, (44), b/m of Birmingham, Alabama. The incident occurred on Monday, November 22, 2021.
Investigators presented the case 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.
Birmingham has conducted 106 murder investigations of 2021 and 14 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.
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Media Release 302-Reclassification of Justifiable Homicide-Matthew Gelpin
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Homicide Investigation
The Birmingham Police Department reports detectives are conducting a homicide investigation. The incident occurred on Monday, November 22, 2021.
The victim has been identified as Matthew Gelpin, (44), b/m, of Birmingham, Alabama.
At approximately 3:40 p.m., officers from the South Precinct responded to a ShotSpotter alert at 4300 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. Officers arrived on scene and discovered the victim laying on the sidewalk near Bates Automotive. The victim was wounded by gunfire. Birmingham Fire and Rescue responded to the scene and pronounced the victim deceased.
The preliminary investigation indicates the victim, Matthew Gelpin was involved in physical altercation with the suspect prior to being shot. The suspect was taken into custody. The case is being presented to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office for review.
This is Birmingham’s 94th murder investigation of 2021 with 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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