BIRMINGHAM, AL – In a tragic evening marked by violence, Birmingham police are investigating two separate homicide cases that unfolded within hours of each other on Wednesday. Authorities responded to the first incident around 5:40 p.m. at a residence on Ninth Court West in the College Hills neighborhood.
Officers found 47-year-old Damien Dawson suffering from gunshot wounds in the driveway. Despite being rushed to UAB Hospital, Dawson succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter. Investigators have indicated that the shooting stemmed from a domestic dispute, and they are actively pursuing the suspect, whom they have already identified.
Earlier that day, around 3:30 p.m., another grim discovery was made in a wooded area off Carlos Avenue, located in the Powderly neighborhood. The body of 32-year-old Juan Chapman was found after his family reported him missing earlier in the day; they had not seen him since the previous weekend.
In a swift development, police have arrested two men in connection with Chapman’s death. The arrests bring a sense of urgency to the investigation, as detectives work to piece together the events leading to the crime.
Officer Truman Fitzgerald of the Birmingham Police Department noted that both cases share a troubling pattern: the victims were acquainted with their attackers. This recurring theme of interpersonal conflicts escalating to violence has been a consistent challenge for law enforcement in the city. The department is focusing its efforts on addressing these underlying issues in hopes of preventing future tragedies.
As the investigations continue, police urge anyone with information about these cases to come forward. They emphasize the importance of community cooperation in bringing those responsible to justice and ensuring the safety of all residents. The city remains on edge as law enforcement officials work tirelessly to resolve these cases swiftly and effectively.