Birmingham police investigate 20th homicide of 2026 less than 24 hours after mass shooting killed 2

Birmingham authorities are investigating the city's 20th homicide of 2026, a tragic incident that unfolded at the InTown Suites Extended Stay on Commons Drive this past Friday. Police responded to the scene shortly after 4 p.m. following reports of an argument that escalated into a deadly exchange of gunfire.

Investigators determined that two men shot each other during the confrontation. One individual was pronounced dead at the scene, while the second was transported to UAB Hospital with life-threatening injuries. Officials confirmed they do not believe any other parties were involved in the altercation.

A Violent Stretch for the City

This incident follows a devastating mass shooting that occurred less than 24 hours prior. In that Thursday night event, a man and woman were killed, and five others sustained injuries. The victims of the mass shooting were identified as 33-year-old Diandra Young Johnson and 50-year-old Benard Duane Montez Watts. According to Deputy Chief of Public Safety Carlton L. Peeples, two of the five survivors from that Thursday shooting remain in critical condition, while three others are currently recovering. Read more about that incident here.

"As a city, we must wake up," Deputy Chief Peeples said in a statement. "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. Every life lost is one too many, and every act of violence tears at the fabric of our community."

Stark Contrast to Recent Progress

The recent surge in violence marks a somber turn, particularly as it follows a hopeful update from law enforcement earlier in the week. On Wednesday, Birmingham police reported that there had been 17 homicides for the year to date. At that time, officials highlighted that the figure represented a 50% reduction in homicides compared to 2025 and a 73% drop from 2024.

In the wake of these back-to-back tragedies, leadership is calling for community solidarity. "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," Peeples added.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the Thursday night mass shooting. A $10,000 reward is currently being offered through Crime Stoppers for any information that leads to an arrest in that case.