Media Release 70
Reclassification-Justifiable Death Ruling
The Birmingham Police Department reports detectives have received a ruling in connection to the homicide investigation of Detraio Whorton. The incident occurred on Thursday, February 25, 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 16 murders thus far in 2021 and 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 into the total homicide investigations counts.
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Media Release 70-Reclassification Justifiable Death Investigation-Detraio Whorton
Homicide Investigation
The Birmingham Police Department reports detectives are conducting a homicide investigation. The incident occurred on Thursday, February 25, 2021.
The deceased has been identified as Detraio Whorton, (27), b/m, of Birmingham, Alabama. Just after 5:00 p.m., officers from East Precinct responded to 1st Avenue and Parkway East on a call of person shot near a car wash. Officers arrived and discovered the victim, Detraio Whorton inside of a vehicle suffering from a gunshot wound. Birmingham Fire and Rescue responded to the scene and Whorton was transported to UAB Hospital. Whorton succumb to his injuries and was pronounced deceased by hospital staff.
The preliminary investigation indicates Whorton exited his vehicle and engaged in an altercation with another person which escalated to gunfire. Whorton returned to his vehicle and collapsed in the driver seat. The investigation indicates Whorton was an acquaintance of the suspect. A clear motive has not been established. No arrest has been made.
Updates will be provided as this case develops.
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.
This is Birmingham’s 16th murder investigation of 2021. 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 collected and analyzed**
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