In a quiet suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, Anthony Lamar Love Jr., a 44-year-old father and long-time UPS employee, was fatally shot just after 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, as he was leaving his shift at the Ingelnook UPS facility. This incident has shaken the local area and reignited concerns over workplace safety despite authorities clarifying that the attack does not appear to be directly related to his place of employment.
Sgt. Laquitta Wade of the Birmingham Police Department described the scene: “Some employees are very shaken up about what has happened here. They are scared about what has happened here,” highlighting the tragedy’s ripple effect not just on Love Jr.’s family but also on his colleagues and the broader community.
The Birmingham Police have announced that the shooting was a targeted attack, a detail that, while providing some measure of explanation, does little to alleviate the broader concerns about violence that can erupt so suddenly. With the shooter still at large and no suspects in custody, the police are urging anyone with information to come forward in hopes of bringing some measure of justice to Love Jr.’s family.
Among those mourning Love Jr.’s death are his colleagues and several family members who arrived at the scene, visibly distraught and seeking answers. The police, while steadfast in their investigation, have been careful to reassure the public that this appears to be an isolated incident, with no ongoing threat to the community at large. Sgt. Wade’s message to the city was clear: “It’s devastating for the city and his family. We want to assure the public that no one else is in danger with this being a targeted attack.”
Several individuals encountering Love during his delivery rounds emphasized Love’s kindness and thoughtfulness. “He was consistently warm and personable. Every time he entered, he’d greet everyone in the salon with a smile, always trying to go the extra mile,” shared Cailyn Fikes, a hairstylist at The Nook. According to Fikes, while other couriers might drop off packages at the entrance, Love made it a point to deliver them further inside, often to the rear of the location.
Nearly ten years ago, this same UPS facility was the scene of a tragic event where workers Brian Callans and Doug Hutcheson were shot to death by Joe Tesney, a previously dismissed employee. On September 23, 2014, Tesney donned his UPS attire, entered the premises, and fatally shot Callans and Hutcheson, subsequently committing suicide. Investigations revealed that Tesney’s actions were motivated, at least in part, by a vendetta against Hutcheson, who had played a role in recommending Tesney’s dismissal following an inquiry into his misconduct.
Bob Copus, President of Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama, urges anyone with details about the incident to speak up, emphasizing the importance for both the Love family and the wider Birmingham community. “It’s in everyone’s best interest to act. No one wishes to be part of a family grieving a violent death. By contacting Crime Stoppers, you play a part in preventing such tragedies,” Copus stated. He assured that the identities of those providing tips to Crime Stoppers would be kept confidential. Information can also be provided directly to the Birmingham Police Department.
