Birmingham Grieves as Gun Violence Claims Another Life
Birmingham, a city that has seen its share of tragedies, is once again grappling with the impact of gun violence. On a busy Monday morning, a heartbreaking incident unfolded on the Parkway East that left one family shattered and the community in disbelief.
The victim has been identified as Enrique Cortes Martinez, a 45-year-old Birmingham resident. He was driving his pickup truck with his 5-year-old grandson when the unthinkable happened. Reports indicate that shortly after 8 a.m., Cortes was shot in the head while driving, leaving him slumped over the steering wheel of his vehicle. Thankfully, his grandson managed to escape unharmed and has since been reunited with family.
A Tragic Scene
As the East Precinct officers arrived at the scene, they found Cortes in his truck in the 9300 block of Parkway East, just a short distance from a local CVS. Witnesses recalled the moments leading up to the tragedy, stating that they heard the gunfire and rushed to help. One unnamed woman rushed to assist, describing how Cortes appeared to have managed to stop the truck and put it in park before losing consciousness. Although he was initially found with a pulse, by 8:15 a.m., it was confirmed that he had succumbed to his injuries.
As the chaos unfolded, bystanders showed remarkable compassion, with some taking the distraught child to CVS to ensure he was safe and comforted. A CVS worker shared that the little boy was incredibly anxious and upset, crying as officers gently led him away from the grisly scene, desperately trying to locate other family members.
Investigation Underway
Officer Truman Fitzgerald provided a glimpse into the ongoing investigation, revealing that it appears Cortes was driving when another vehicle pulled alongside him, and shots were fired. As of now, authorities have not determined if Cortes was specifically targeted or if this was a case of reckless gunfire. However, Fitzgerald expressed gratitude that the incident occurred in a commercial area as multiple resources and surveillance footage are already being utilized by the police to hunt for leads.
This tragic event marks a somber milestone for Birmingham, as Cortes’s death officially brings the city’s homicide count to 136 for 2023, surpassing the total for the entire previous year with more than a month left to go. Birmingham had previously recorded a slight decline in violent deaths, ending 2022 with 144 homicides—its deadliest year in recent history. The year 2021 saw 132 homicides, and the grim statistics have risen consistently over recent years.
A City Searching for Answers
As Birmingham reflects on the toll of violence, it’s a city in need of healing. The county has a long history of violence, with the all-time record for homicides set back in 1933 with 148 murders. According to recent figures, Birmingham’s population has dwindled over the decades, affecting crime rates proportionately. In 1933, when the population was nearly 269,000, the city experienced 5.7 homicides for every 10,000 residents. Currently, with around 196,644 people in the area, it’s facing a staggering count of seven homicides per 10,000 people in 2024.
As the community reels from this latest tragedy, residents are encouraged to step forward with any information regarding the incident. Birmingham homicide detectives are available at 205-254-1764, or individuals can anonymously report tips to Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
In a world that sometimes feels chaotic, the hope is that Birmingham will rally together, support each other, and work toward a future where such tragic losses become a thing of the past.
