Birmingham police believe someone was 'paid to kill a targeted victim' in mass shooting that left four dead and 17 injured

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama (WBRC) – Birmingham police say four people are dead following a mass shooting in Five Points South Saturday night.

Shortly after 11 p.m., Birmingham Police received a call about a shooting in the 2000 block of Magnolia Avenue.

When officers arrived on the scene, they found two men and a woman lying unconscious on the sidewalk. Police say the three victims died at the scene.

Officer Truman Fitzgerald says a fourth victim was pronounced dead at UAB Hospital on Saturday evening. A spokesperson for UAB Hospital says a total of 12 victims were admitted, including one of the victims who died at the scene. Four victims are currently being treated at UAB Hospital, with conditions ranging from good to critical.

Other victims were taken to various hospitals in the city.

According to police, there are a total of 21 gunshot victims, including the four dead. The other 17 victims suffered injuries ranging from life-threatening to non-life-threatening.

Police believe several suspects arrived at the scene in a vehicle. The suspects exited the vehicle and fired several shots at a group of people on the sidewalk on Magnolia Avenue before getting back into their vehicle and fleeing the scene.

Investigators believe the shooting was not accidental, but rather an isolated incident in which several victims were caught in the crossfire.

In a new conference on Sunday morning, Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond said he believes someone was paid to kill the targeted victim and that they believe that victim is among the dead.

Police confirmed that the weapons used were fully automatic weapons. According to Police Chief Thurmond, over 100 cartridge cases were found at the crime scene.

“This is unfortunately not the first time in 2024 that we will see these types of weapons on our streets, as many bullets on the ground as possible, possibly a joint operation, etc.,” said Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin.

They are also trying to determine who was the target of the shooting. Authorities will review video surveillance.

“I'm telling you, we all as a community owe it to the victims to do everything in our power to get these shooters off our streets,” Mayor Woodfin said.

According to authorities, no one is currently in custody.

Watch live video from the scene of the accident

Birmingham Police held a press conference at 9am on Sunday to announce the latest developments in the case.

Watch the BPD press conference live

Police Chief Thurmond and Mayor Woodfin urged the public to come forward with any information that could lead to an arrest.

Birmingham Police have set up a QR code for the public to submit information and evidence related to this case. Scan the QR code below or Click here to access the portal.

You may also contact the Birmingham Police Department Homicide Unit at 205-254-1764 or 911. If you wish to remain anonymous, please call Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.

We will continue to update this story as new developments arise.

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