Late Wednesday evening, Birmingham was shaken by the news that 32-year-old Willie Rasean Raby was fatally shot in the 2300 block of 33rd Avenue North—a friendly face to many, now a memory left behind as grief ripples through the community. According to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, Raby was discovered with critical gunshot wounds around 6:46 p.m., and despite being rushed to UAB Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at 10:25 p.m.
As investigators comb the scene, Birmingham Police have launched a full homicide inquiry. Officials have not released any names of suspects, and no formal motive has been announced. Detectives are canvassing the neighborhood, reviewing any available surveillance footage, and interviewing witnesses in hopes of gathering clues.
Raby’s death carries an even heavier weight: it marks Birmingham’s 75th homicide of 2025, a stark indicator of the city’s mounting violence. Last year, Birmingham recorded 151 homicides, the highest total since 1933—so the pace this year has many residents and leaders bracing for the worst.
Community advocates say the shooting is yet another reminder of the urgent need for violence-prevention efforts. Mental health resources, stronger neighborhood-law enforcement partnerships, and grassroots programs are being called for more passionately than ever, as families wonder how many more lives will be torn apart.
Meanwhile, Jefferson County—where Birmingham sits—has also seen a troubling rise in violence overall, with 107 homicides reported this year. The city remains at the heart of the county’s public safety challenges, revealing the depth and complexity of what’s fueling the crisis.
Birmingham Police are urging anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward. Tips can be shared confidentially with detectives at 205-254-1764, or anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
For Raby’s friends and family, the weeks ahead will be painful and uncertain. He was a young man with his life ahead of him, and now, instead of planning for tomorrow, loved ones are left grappling with what’s next—and hoping the investigation brings some answers.
