Media Release 39 – Homicide Investigation – Bessemer Road
Homicide Investigation
The Birmingham Police Department is conducting a homicide investigation. The incident occurred on Saturday, February 11, 2023.
The victim has been identified as:
Darnell Michael Puidokas, (36), B/M, of Oak Park, Michigan.
At around 6:10 PM, West Precinct officers were dispatched to the Chevron Gas Station (2161 Bessemer Road) on report of a person shot. Officers arrived on the scene when they observed the victim lying unresponsive on the ground suffering an apparent gunshot wound. Birmingham Fire and Rescue personnel arrived on the scene and pronounced the victim deceased.
The preliminary investigation suggests the victim is a locksmith; he performed locksmith services for the second party involved at a different location.
Both parties arrived at the Chevron Gas Station and the two were involved in a physical altercation over money. The physical altercation led to the suspect shooting the victim.
The suspect dialed 911 and remained on the scene. Officers took the suspect into custody; officers transported the suspect to BPD Headquarters where Homicide detectives questioned him.
After the interview, the suspect was transported to the Birmingham City Jail where he was booked under a 48-Hour Felony Hold for Murder. Detectives will present case information to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office who will decide if criminal charges should be filed.
If there is anyone who has information pertaining to the case, please contact the B.P.D. Homicide Unit @ 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers @ 205-254-7777. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers through the Birmingham Police Department’s Mobile App on Android or IOS devices. Updates will be provided as information comes available.
This is Birmingham’s 11th murder investigation of 2023 with 1 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 in 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**
###
