Birmingham’s Freedom Manor Tragedy: A Community in Shock
Birmingham, AL — A heartbreaking incident unfolded this past Wednesday night, September 4, as two residents of the Freedom Manor senior living facility were found dead in what authorities have classified as a murder-suicide. The victims, 66-year-old Roosevelt Walker, a U.S. Air Force veteran, and 68-year-old Larry Collins, a lifelong friend of Walker’s, were discovered by a mutual friend early Thursday morning.
Details of the Incident
Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene at 1617 Fifth Ave. North shortly before 11 a.m. on September 5. According to Sgt. LaQuitta Wade of the North Precinct, officers entered a fourth-floor apartment to find both men unresponsive, suffering from gunshot wounds. Sadly, Birmingham Fire and Rescue pronounced them dead at the scene.
Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates confirmed that the two men had died sometime between 9:45 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. the previous night. Their bodies were located in an apartment belonging to one of the victims, and it was a friend with a key who made the grim discovery and immediately contacted authorities.
Community Response
Walker, who enjoyed a long friendship with Collins for over 30 years, leaves behind a grieving family, including his stepdaughter, Marilyn Yelder. Yelder expressed the family’s shock and sadness, stating, “My mother, his wife, is having a hard time grasping the reality of what has happened because tragedy struck at her door just seven months ago when my brother was killed.”
In February of this year, Yelder’s twin brother, Marlin Dontae Yelder, was fatally shot in Birmingham’s Inglenook community, leaving the family still seeking answers. Marlin was found in an illegal dumping site, and as of now, no arrests have been made in that case. “At the very least, she has answers and closure in this case,” Yelder shared, highlighting the mixed emotions surrounding her stepfather’s passing.
A Dedicated Friendship
Collins and Walker were known for their close bond, often attending Bible study together on Wednesday nights. While it remains unclear if they attended on the night of the tragedy, Yelder mentioned, “You never saw one without the other.” Despite the pain of losing two beloved men, she indicated that both families have been in contact to support one another through this challenging time. “We have remained in touch daily with Mr. Collins’s family to check on their well-being,” she noted.
Seeking Clarity
As investigations continue, Yelder expressed a sense of hope, stating, “Even though we both families still have questions we need answered, we can only trust that Birmingham police have done their due diligence in this case and will keep us informed of anything new that comes up.” Through this dark moment, the families have chosen not to place blame, recognizing that this tragedy was not intentional.
Support Services Available
The events at Freedom Manor have deeply affected the Birmingham community, leading many to grapple with their feelings surrounding this tragic loss. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, resources are available. A helpline is accessible by calling or texting 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org.
As this unfolding story continues to develop, our thoughts remain with the families and friends affected by this tragedy. Freedom Manor stands as a reminder of the complexities of human relationships and the sometimes unforeseen struggles that can lead to heartbreaking outcomes.
