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Media Release 83- Homicide Investigation- 4th Street Thomas

Homicide Investigation

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

The victim has been identified as:

Derek Jason Wright, (39), B/M, of Forestdale, Alabama.

At approximately 4:35 PM, West Precinct officers were dispatched to the 400 Block of 4th Street Thomas on report of a Person Shot.

Officers arrived on the scene and observed the victim lying in a front yard suffering from a gunshot wound.

Birmingham Fire and Rescue personnel arrived on the scene and pronounced the victim deceased.

The preliminary investigation suggests the victim was riding his bicycle when several suspects approached him in a vehicle. One of the suspects exited the vehicle and began firing shots at the victim; the victim was struck by gunfire.

After shooting the victim, the suspect got into the vehicle and the suspects fled the scene. The victim was targeted.

There is no one in custody.

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 31st murder investigation of 2023 with 3 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 83- Homicide Investigation- 4th Street Thomas

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