Fatal Shooting in Birmingham’s Ensley Neighborhood Leaves One Dead, Suspect in Custody
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A late-night shooting in Birmingham’s Ensley neighborhood turned deadly Sunday, resulting in the death of a 31-year-old man and the swift apprehension of a suspect following a police pursuit. Authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident, which has shaken residents of the community.
According to officials, the shooting occurred at approximately 11:53 p.m. in the 2700 block of 30th Street in Ensley, a historic but often troubled area of Birmingham that has seen its share of violence in recent years.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim as Literrance Leon Bratton, a Birmingham resident. Bratton, 31, was pronounced dead at the scene. Details regarding the motive or the relationship between Bratton and the suspect have not yet been released, but police say the situation unfolded rapidly.
Sgt. LaQuitta Wade of the Birmingham Police Department said the investigation gained momentum when a nearby patrol officer, responding to the sound of gunfire, witnessed two individuals attempting to flee the area in a vehicle. The officer engaged in a brief pursuit, which ended several miles away near the intersection of Aaron Aronov Drive and Valley Road in Fairfield.
The suspect was taken into custody without incident, though authorities have not yet released the suspect’s name or any charges formally filed as of early Monday morning. Law enforcement officials have confirmed that a firearm was recovered, and the vehicle used in the attempted escape has been impounded as part of the ongoing investigation.
The area where the shooting occurred was quickly cordoned off late Sunday night as homicide detectives combed the scene for evidence, interviewing witnesses and collecting shell casings and surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses.
Residents in the Ensley neighborhood, while sadly familiar with gun violence, were still shaken by the late-night incident. “It’s heartbreaking,” said one local who asked not to be named. “We want peace in our streets. It’s not fair that our young men keep dying like this.”
Authorities are working to piece together a clearer picture of what led to the shooting. Investigators are exploring whether the shooting was targeted or the result of a dispute, and whether more individuals might have been involved. Police have not ruled out the possibility of additional arrests.
This incident marks yet another tragedy in what has been a challenging year for Birmingham, a city grappling with rising concerns over gun violence. Local leaders, including Mayor Randall Woodfin, have consistently called for stronger community partnerships and increased support for law enforcement to reduce violent crime in the city.
“Our hearts go out to the family of Mr. Bratton,” said a spokesperson from the Birmingham Police Department. “We are committed to pursuing justice and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.”
As of now, the suspect remains in custody, and charges are expected pending further investigation. The Birmingham Police Department is asking anyone with additional information related to the shooting to contact the Homicide Division at (205) 254-1764 or provide anonymous tips via Crime Stoppers at (205) 254-7777.
The investigation remains active, and authorities are expected to provide updates in the coming days as more information becomes available. Meanwhile, Bratton’s family and friends are left mourning his sudden and tragic death, adding another name to the growing list of lives lost to senseless violence in Birmingham.