Birmingham Community in Shock After Double Tragedy

Birmingham Community in Shock After Double Tragedy

In a heartbreaking turn of events, the Birmingham community is reeling after the tragic deaths of two young lives, Alexis Elizabeth “Lexie” Wise, aged 16, and Joshua Wayne Parsons, aged 21. The couple, who were known for their love for each other and their dreams for the future, were found shot dead inside a car under devastating circumstances on Princeton Avenue S.W. on the evening of November 12.

A Love Story Cut Short

Wise and Parsons had been dating for about a year, and their relationship was described as one filled with love and aspiration. Elizabeth Morris, who homeschooled Lexie and is close to her family, shared, “They loved each other very much,” adding, “They were just trying to get their lives started.” Morris became emotional as she expressed the community’s shock, saying, “We didn’t see this coming.”

Community Rallies for Support

In the wake of this tragedy, friends and family have set up GoFundMe accounts to raise funds for the funeral expenses. As condolences pour in, it’s evident how deeply Lexie and Josh touched the lives of those around them. A family friend, Faith Franklin, described Lexie in her heartfelt message as an “innocent, sweet, loving” girl who had a bright future ahead of her. Lexie loved music, animals, and working on cars, and Morris recalls her as someone who “didn’t see bad in people.”

How It Happened

According to Birmingham police, the tragic discovery was made when a passerby noticed a vehicle on the sidewalk near an abandoned house in the 1300 block of Princeton Avenue S.W. They saw the car had several bullet holes, prompting them to call the authorities. By the time police arrived, both Lexie and Josh were unresponsive. The Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service pronounced them dead at 10:47 p.m..

It was reported that the vehicle had been seen moving slowly in reverse before stopping on the sidewalk. Mayor Randall Woodfin noted the shocking nature of the incident, mentioning that it appeared the gunfire originated from within the vehicle. Tragically, no one heard the shots fired, and as of now, no arrests have been made.

The Impact of Loss

Josh Parsons left behind a caring family, including his mother and four sisters, who are now left grappling with this sudden loss. His sister, Alexandra Kimbrell, penned a heartfelt tribute in Josh’s GoFundMe page, stating, “Josh took after his dad and had a passion and love for riding motorcycles and working on cars.” She poignantly added, “No parent expects to lose a child, nor should they have to.”

Both families are now seeking to raise funds to cover large funeral expenses and memorial services, which are now a somber reality they must face. The GoFundMe for Lexie can be found here, while donations for Josh can be made here.

What’s Next?

Birmingham detectives are urging anyone with information regarding this tragic double homicide to come forward. You can contact them at 205-254-1764 or reach out to Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777 to provide any helpful leads.

As the Birmingham community mourns the loss of these two vibrant young souls, it serves as a solemn reminder of the fragility of life and the impact of violence on families and the community. Everyone is doing their best to come together and support Lexie and Josh’s loved ones in this incredibly difficult time.