Birmingham police investigate 20th homicide of 2026 less than 24 hours after mass shooting killed 2
The day before the mass shooting, Birmingham police announced a dramatic drop in city homicides for 2026.
Ethan Parker 
Birmingham authorities are investigating the city's 20th homicide of 2026 following a violent Friday afternoon exchange at the InTown Suites Extended Stay on Commons Drive. Police report that two men engaged in an argument that escalated into a shootout, resulting in one fatality at the scene and leaving the second individual with life-threatening injuries at UAB Hospital.
A Violent 24 Hours
Investigators do not believe any other parties were involved in the Friday incident. This tragedy follows a devastating mass shooting just one night prior, where a man and woman were killed and five others were injured. The victims of Thursday’s shooting have been identified as 33-year-old Diandra Young Johnson and 50-year-old Benard Duane Montez Watts.
Deputy Chief of Public Safety Carlton L. Peeples shared that among the survivors of the Thursday shooting, two remain in critical condition while three others are recovering. Crime Stoppers is currently offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in that case.
Calls for Community Change
Reflecting on the recent surge in violence, Deputy Chief Peeples issued a call to action for the city. “As a city, we must wake up. We cannot allow this level of violence to become normalized or accepted. This is not who we want to be as Birmingham, and it is not the future we are willing to accept,” Peeples said. “Every life lost is one too many, and every act of violence tears at the fabric of our community. We must come together, as neighbors, families, faith leaders, community organizations, and law enforcement, to reject violence, support one another, and choose a different path for our city.”
Shifting Homicide Statistics
These violent events come shortly after Birmingham police touted significant progress in public safety. On Wednesday, officials announced that only 17 homicides had occurred throughout the year to date. That figure represented a 50% decrease compared to the same period in 2025 and a 73% reduction from 2024. 205focus.com will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
