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Media Release 52- Homicide Investigation- 1st Avenue North

Homicide Investigation

The Birmingham Police Department is conducting a homicide investigation. The incident occurred on Monday, March 20, 2023.

The victim has been identified as:

James Lee Washington, (29), B/M, of Birmingham, Alabama.

 At approximately 11:30 AM, North Precinct officers were dispatched to an apartment building in the 300 Block of 1st Avenue North on report of a person shot.

Officers arrived on the scene and observed an adult male inside of an apartment suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.

Birmingham Fire and Rescue personnel arrived on the scene and transported the victim to UAB Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The victim was pronounced deceased at UAB Hospital by UAB Hospital Staff.

The preliminary investigation suggests the victim was involved in a physical altercation with an adult male who lives at the apartment with the victim.

The physical altercation led to the suspect firing shots at the victim ultimately striking him.

Patrol officers took the suspect into custody at a local area hospital where he sought treatment for injuries he sustained. He will remain in police custody while receiving treatment and then be transported to the Birmingham City Jail.

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 becomes available.

This is Birmingham’s 18th 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**

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Media Release 52- Homicide Investigation- 1st Avenue North

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