50-year-old man killed by Birmingham police now identified
Monday’s fatal shooting happened when West Precinct officers were dispatched at 3:45 p.m. Monday to the 3100 block of Avenue I.
Ethan Parker 
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office has identified the man fatally shot by Birmingham police on Monday as 50-year-old Otis Lee Phillips Jr. of Center Point.
The incident occurred around 3:45 p.m. in the 3100 block of Avenue I. West Precinct officers were dispatched following reports of a man walking through the neighborhood, waving a gun and pulling on vehicle handles. Witnesses reported the individual was knocking on residential doors, and one report indicated shots were fired toward a home, though no injuries were reported from that gunfire.
Police Engagement
Birmingham Sgt. LaQuitta Wade stated that an officer arrived at the scene within 60 seconds. According to police, the officer gave verbal commands for the man to drop the weapon. Authorities said Phillips advanced toward the officer, leading to the fatal shots. Police have not yet disclosed the exact number of rounds fired by either the suspect or the officer.
"It’s very unfortunate when an officer has to take a life, and our hearts go out to the family," Sgt. Wade said. "However, we’re going to continue to protect the citizens of Birmingham."
Public Reaction and Context
The shooting has drawn significant attention on social media. State Rep. Juandalynn Given shared an image of the scene online, questioning the circumstances of the encounter. Eric Hall, co-founder of Black Lives Matter Birmingham, expressed strong criticism regarding police use of force in the city.
Phillips is the third person to be killed by Birmingham police since June and the fifth within the last year. This death marks the city's 30th homicide of 2026. Prior incidents include:
- Matthew Sean Massey, 38, shot on Aug. 13 near UAB St. Vincent’s.
- Xavier Gray, 19, shot on June 10 in Midfield.
- Jamal D’Angelo Williams, 26, shot on Nov. 28, 2025.
- Vanessa Ragland, 36, shot on Oct. 29, 2025.
Background
Court records indicate no history of violent crime for Phillips. He previously pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of obstructing governmental operations in 2020 after an incident where he was found driving with red and blue LED strobe lights while impersonating a police officer.
The Birmingham Police Department is currently leading the investigation. Once the probe concludes, the findings will be submitted to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office for review. Chief Michael Pickett has not yet provided comment regarding the specifics of the Phillips case or released body camera footage.
