Media Release 57- Justifiable Death Ruling- 29th Street Ensley
Justifiable Death Ruling
The Birmingham Police Department reports detectives have received a ruling in connection to the homicide investigation of Marquis Kantrell Drakes Jr. The incident occurred on Wednesday, February 22, 2023. See Media Release 45 below.
Investigators presented the case 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.
NOTE: It was alleged Marquis Kantrell Drakes Jr. was armed with a firearm during the confrontation; BPD officers recovered a firearm from the scene believed to have been in Drakes’ possession.
This investigation is reclassified as Justified Death Investigation #2.
The Birmingham Police Department has 20 murders thus far in 2023. 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 57- Justifiable Death Ruling- 29th Street Ensley
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Homicide Investigation
(Media Release 45)
The Birmingham Police Department is conducting a homicide investigation. The incident occurred on Wednesday, February 22, 2023.
The victim has been identified as:
Marquis Kantrell Drakes Jr., (24), of Birmingham, Alabama.
At around 12:00 PM, West Precinct officers were dispatched to the 1400 Block of 29th Street Ensley on report of a person shot.
Officers arrived on the scene and then entered a residence; officers observed an adult male lying on the floor suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
Birmingham Fire and Rescue personnel arrived on the scene and transported the gunshot wound victim to UAB Hospital with life-threatening injuries. UAB Hospital staff pronounced the victim deceased.
The preliminary investigation suggests the victim was involved in an altercation inside the residence before shots were fired. Officers took a person of interest (adult female) into custody on the scene, free of incident.
Patrol officers transported the person of interest to BPD Headquarters where she will be interviewed by BPD Homicide detectives.
Homicide detectives will present the 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 13th 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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