Media Release 83
Homicide Investigation
The Birmingham Police Department reports an arrest has been made in connection to a homicide that occurred on Friday, April 17, 2020.
The victim has been identified as
Emilio Elliot, (30), B/M, of Birmingham, Alabama.
At approximately 11:45 a.m., Officers from the Community Safety Partnership unit were patrolling the South Town Housing Community when gunfire was heard in the area of 24th Street and 9TH Avenue South. Upon further investigation Officers discovered a male in the 2400 Block of 24th Street unresponsive suffering from a gunshot wound. The male was lying next to a car with the door open and still running. Birmingham Fire and Rescue responded to the scene and transported the victim to UAB Hospital. Detectives were later notified that the victim succumb to his injuries.
The preliminary investigation suggest the victim and the suspect met at the location and the victim was robbed by the suspect. During the robbery gunfire was exchanged resulting in the victim being mortally wounded. Leads gathered during this investigation lead to an arrest.
The suspect has been identified as
Montrel Austin, (26), B/M, of Birmingham, Alabama
Detectives presented the initial information gathered on the case to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office for review. Following the assessment, a Capital Murder warrant was obtained with no bond. Montrel Austin is currently being held in the custody of the Jefferson County Jail.
See attached mug shot.
This is Birmingham’s 30th homicide investigation of 2020 and 4 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.
*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**