A 55-year-old man was shot to death this morning in Birmingham, marking the city’s fifth homicide in five days. The victim, identified by family members as Renard “Keith” West, was known for his big heart and generosity. His brother, Rufus Ricks, described him as someone who would give you anything he had.
The incident occurred shortly after 4:30 a.m. when Birmingham’s gunfire detection system, Shot Spotter, indicated several rounds fired in the 1000 block of Cotton Avenue. Police received a call reporting that someone had been shot. Upon arrival, officers found West in the front yard of a home. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service pronounced him dead at the scene.
Officer Truman Fitzgerald stated that there is no indication the suspect knew the victim, which he found very alarming. Community members provided a description of the possible suspect, who was found walking not far from the crime scene and taken into custody without incident. The suspect was armed with a gun.
Fitzgerald speculated that West may have been trying to see what was going on outside when he was shot. “The victim may have been trying to see what was going on. There may have been a commotion nearby, and he stepped outside his residence to see what was going on,” he said.
The suspect was handcuffed, photographed at the scene, and then taken to police headquarters for questioning. Fitzgerald expressed gratitude for the community’s assistance. “We are extremely thankful the community stepped up and was able to provide a description to our officers. Today is a prime example of the power of the partnership between the community and the police department,” he said.
West’s family revealed that he was living at his cousin’s home and often slept on the porch. “Somebody just killed a homeless man,” Ricks said, expressing his hurt. Despite his personal struggles, West was known to work every day and never hurt anyone. “His struggles were with himself,” Ricks said, adding that his brother always had everyone laughing and just wanted people to be together and have a good time.
The tragic incident adds to a violent week in Birmingham, with West being the city’s fifth homicide victim in five days, the sixth in the past seven days, and the 80th so far this year. The community is left grappling with the loss and the senseless nature of the crime.
The Birmingham Police Department is conducting a thorough investigation into the incident. The suspect’s motive remains unclear, and authorities are working to piece together the events that led to West’s death. The community’s cooperation has been crucial in the initial stages of the investigation, and police are hopeful that further information will come to light.
West’s family is left to mourn the loss of a beloved brother and friend. “It hasn’t hit me yet that my brother is no longer here,” Ricks said, struggling to come to terms with the reality of the situation. The family remembers West as a kind-hearted individual who brought joy and laughter to those around him.
As the investigation continues, the Birmingham community is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. The police department is committed to ensuring justice for West and his family and is working tirelessly to bring the perpetrator to justice.
The recent spate of homicides has raised concerns about safety and the need for increased community engagement to prevent further violence. The Birmingham Police Department is calling on residents to work together to create a safer environment for everyone.
In the wake of this tragedy, the community is reminded of the importance of looking out for one another and supporting those in need. West’s death serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the impact of senseless violence on families and communities.
As the investigation unfolds, the Birmingham Police Department will continue to provide updates and seek the community’s assistance in solving this case. The hope is that through collective efforts, justice will be served, and the cycle of violence will be broken.
Source: AL.com
