2008 Birmingham homicides
This is a List of Birmingham homicides in 2008. It includes homicide cases occuring within the city limits during the calendar year. Note that a "homicide" refers to the cause of death as determined by a medical examiner, not to the commission of the crime of murder as charged by police and prosecutors.
With 3 homicides up to January 4, the city is on pace for 275 in 2008. Based on the 2006 census estimate of 229,424 population, that represents 119.9 homicides per 100,000 population for the year. Birmingham had 93 homicides in 2007, 109 in 2006, and a record of 135 in 1994.
Birmingham is averaging 23.2 homicides per month, or one every 1.3 days. The longest stretch without a homicide was between December 30 and January 2.
Of the 3 recorded homicides, suspects have been reported identified in at least 2 cases, apprehended in none, and charged in none.
2 of the 3 reported homicides were shootings, both of which occurred on the street. The other occurred in the victim's home. At least 2 of the victims were female. One case appeared to be a domestic dispute, another a gunfight, and the third appeared to be a home invasion.
Listing by date
- January 2: Winifred J. Bryant, 24, found shot to death outside an apartment complex on the 200 block of 52nd Street North in Woodlawn. Her car was in the street with the engine running. Officers were seeking a suspect shortly after the shooting, which was believed to be a domestic incident. [1]
- January 3: Grace A. Garner, 85, found bludgeoned to death in her home at 7735 1st Avenue South in East Lake. The front door was forced open and the home ransacked. No arrest. [2]
- January 3: Dameon Harris, 28, found shot on the 1300 block of 29th Street North. Another gunshot victim was admitted to Physicians Medical Center Carraway and may have been involved in the shooting. [3]
Responses
References
- 2007 Press Releases from Birmingham Police Department