Media Release 86
Multiple Shot, One Deceased at Patton Park
The Birmingham Police Department reports detectives are conducting a homicide investigation. The incident occurred on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2021.
The deceased victim has been identified as Areyelle Yarbrough, (32), b/f, of Bessemer, Alabama. Just after 7:00 p.m., Birmingham Police Officers responded to Patton Park located at 1200 Sipsey Street on a call of multiple people shot in the park. At the time the shooting occurred, hundreds of people were gathered at the park celebrating the Easter Holiday when gunfire erupted. Officers arrived and discovered the victim, Areyelle Yarbrough laying on the ground just outside the passenger door of her vehicle. The victim’s injuries proved to be fatal and Yarbrough was pronounced deceased on scene.
Five additional victims sustained gunshot wounds. The surviving victims consist of one adult and four juveniles ranging from age five to seventeen years of age. Two of the juveniles were transported to Children’s Hospital of Alabama by Birmingham Fire and Rescue. The additional victims were transported to local area hospitals by private vehicles. All five surviving victims conditions have been listed as stable.
The preliminary investigation indicates the shooting stemmed from an altercation amongst two groups of males which escalated to an exchange of gunfire in the crowded park. Evidence collected indicates over 30 rounds were fired. Detectives have obtained witness accounts; however additional witnesses are encouraged to come forward. No arrest have been made in this investigation. It is believed there were multiple shooters involved in this incident.
If there is anyone who has additional information pertaining to the case, please contact Crime Stoppers @ 205-254- 7777. If your tip leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward.
This is Birmingham’s 22nd murder investigation of 2021 with 2 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**
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