The Birmingham Police Department is investigating a quadruple homicide that occurred on Friday afternoon, February 16, 2024.
The incident was reported just before 2:45 p.m., following a Shot Spotter alert that indicated multiple rounds had been fired in the 900 Block of Center Street North.
Responding officers found four men, unresponsive, each bearing gunshot wounds, sprawled out near an open lot. Emergency responders attended to the victims, who were identified as Talton Tate, 36, Cortez Ray, 32, Terrell Edwards, 38, and Kevin McGhee, 38.
Edwards, Ray, and Tate were declared dead at the scene, while McGhee was rushed to UAB Hospital with life-threatening injuries, only to be pronounced dead on arrival.
Preliminary investigation suggests the victims were at a neighborhood car wash when they were ambushed. The police found 34 shell casings at the scene, leading them to believe that this was a deliberate act, though the motives and intended targets’ specifics are still under scrutiny. This incident has increased the total number of murder investigations in Birmingham to 12 this year.
In addition, shortly after this shooting, a couple who had been missing since their Valentine’s Day date was discovered deceased in a vehicle, victims of gunshot wounds.
Birmingham’s Public Safety Chair, LaTonya Tate, vocally criticized the recent surge in violence. She stated, “I cannot stand idly by as these tragedies continue to rip through our communities, affecting our families, friends, and neighbors. Ignoring these murders is not something we can afford.”
Tate emphasized the necessity for a cultural shift within the city to deter criminals and end the prevailing silence on crime. “Silence is no longer an option. If you witness wrongdoing, speak up.”
She added, “Our hearts break for the victims’ families, friends, and neighbors, as well as the entire Birmingham community. We grieve with you and are committed to working alongside you to ensure our city becomes a safer place for all.”
Police Chief Scott Thurmond shared his exasperation with the media, condemning the repetitive nature of such violent acts in the community. “It’s really disgusting that these things continue to happen in our city over and over again. People have got to find other ways to resolve their conflicts without resorting to gunfire,” Thurmond remarked.
Mayor Randall Woodfin also voiced his distress, particularly highlighting a personal connection to the tragedy—one victim was a city employee, and another was his cousin.
The Birmingham Police Department is seeking information from the public, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in apprehending those responsible. In partnership with Crime Stoppers, the department offers cash rewards for tips that lead to arrests, encouraging anyone with information to come forward.
