A Week On From Birmingham Shooting, No Arrests Made as Yet
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A week has passed since the tragic shooting incidents happened on Friday, February 16th, which claimed six lives. The Birmingham Police had responded to a distress call in Smithfield concerning a shooting incident involving four victims. In the later hours of the same day, the bodies of a young couple who had been reported missing were discovered inside a car in Wylam, bringing the day’s grim death tally to six. Despite receiving numerous tips from the public regarding these cases, police have not yet announced any arrests.
Concerns over Retaliation
“If we don’t bring these people to justice, there will be retaliation. So we owe it to the public to stop the bloodshed now,” warned Officer Truman Fitzgerald. In Smithfield, Cortez Ray, Terrell Edwards, Kevin McGhee, and Talton ‘TJ’ Tait were gunned down in broad daylight. The situation in Wylam was equally dire, with the discovery of Chris Norris and Angeliyah Webster, a young couple expecting a child later this year, both with fatal gunshot wounds.
Appeal for More Tips
The police department reaffirmed their resolve and dedication to solving the cases. Officer Fitzgerald stated, “We have very great, intelligent officers that monitor the streets. Anytime we get word of possible retaliation, we act on it.” The public is encouraged to continue providing any information to Crime Stoppers that may lead to an arrest.
While the potential of earning a monetary reward for helpful tips is appealing, Fitzgerald stressed that the importance of bringing the perpetrators to justice goes beyond the cash incentive. “Friday, we lost six and seven if you count Angeliyah’s baby, so seven people were lost in our city,” Fitzgerald remarked.
Impact on Birmingham
The killings have deeply impacted the Birmingham community, and the need for justice is urgent and widespread. While authorities are working diligently to apprehend the persons responsible, the community’s cooperation is critical in these efforts. The police department reiterates the importance of reporting any information, regardless of its seeming insignificance, as it may be a crucial piece in solving the puzzle of these horrendous crimes.
