2 Killed, 2 Injured in Birmingham Domestic Shootings; Suspect in Custody After Allegedly 'Snapping'

A man suspected of fatally shooting two people and wounding two others in Birmingham is now in police custody. Authorities apprehended the suspect, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, at approximately 9:15 p.m. in the Five Points West area. This arrest took place just hours after a tragic incident involving the suspect's family members and close family friends.

Initial reports indicated that a third victim had also died, but police have since confirmed that the individual remains alive, though in critical condition.

The shootings, believed to be domestic in nature, have left the community in shock. According to those familiar with the suspect, he appeared to have "snapped" before committing the violent acts. Among the many devastated family members present at the crime scenes was the suspect's grandmother, highlighting the deep familial ties at the heart of this tragedy.

“This is senseless,” said Evelyn Koech, a neighbor and friend. “It’s not fair.”

The violence began around 4:45 p.m. on Thursday when officers from the West Precinct were dispatched to a residence in the 1600 block of Dennison Avenue following reports of multiple gunshot victims. Upon arrival, officers discovered a woman who had been fatally shot. Family members later identified her as LaQuitta Dunn, a cherished mother and grandmother.

Investigators learned that a second victim, a man, had also been shot at the Dennison Avenue location. Although he was not present when police arrived, he later sought medical help at Princeton Baptist Medical Center, where he was treated for life-threatening injuries before being transferred to UAB Hospital. He remains in critical condition.

Further investigation led police to a second location in the 1400 block of 17th Place S.W., near the first crime scene. Inside this home, officers found a man and woman in a basement den area. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service pronounced the man dead at the scene, while the woman was rushed to UAB Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

According to Officer Truman Fitzgerald, the suspect is either directly related to the victims or is a very close family friend. It is believed that the suspect may have forced someone to drive him from the first crime scene to the second. Both male victims are related to the suspect, while the female victims are likely close acquaintances.

“This is a shooter who knew every single person he targeted,” Fitzgerald said. “This was a domestic-related incident with multiple scenes and victims, not a random act of violence.”

In response to the shootings, law enforcement has heavily patrolled the area, with the Star 1 helicopter providing aerial support. Numerous detectives and federal agents are involved in the investigation, but officials are withholding the suspect's identity to avoid compromising any potential leads.

"We want to assure the public that this area is currently saturated with law enforcement personnel," Fitzgerald added, emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing and the motive behind the shootings remains unclear.

The victims in this tragic event mark the 96th and 97th homicides in Birmingham this year. In Jefferson County as a whole, there have been 122 homicides in 2024, including those in Birmingham.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shootings to contact homicide detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.