In a deeply unsettling incident on Sunday afternoon, 59-year-old Richard Dwayne Freeman was fatally shot at a home in Birmingham’s southwest Maple Avenue neighborhood. Authorities quickly responded around 4:00 p.m. to reports of a shooting, discovering Freeman wounded when they arrived.
Medical teams from Birmingham Fire and Rescue rushed him to UAB Hospital, but despite their efforts, Freeman was later pronounced dead.
Police say the violence stemmed from a verbal altercation between Freeman and another individual; the argument escalated until gunfire erupted.
A suspect was taken into custody not long afterward. While multiple local residents have described the detained individual as Freeman’s adult nephew, police have not yet confirmed that relationship.
Detectives continue piecing together what sparked the deadly confrontation, and formal charges are expected soon.
This tragedy is part of a grim trend: it marks Birmingham’s 74th homicide of the year, and across Jefferson County, the death toll has reached 106.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have information — no matter how small — to come forward. Witnesses can call Birmingham Police detectives at 205-254-1764, or leave anonymous tips with Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
As the investigation continues, the neighborhood and Freeman’s family are left reeling. The full story of what led to that afternoon confrontation remains unclear, but Birmingham Police say they’re “doing everything they can” to bring clarity and justice.
