Missing man killed in fight over possible car break-in was non-verbal, schizophrenic, police, family says
Martez Dunner’s family was notified of his death hours after they pleaded on social media for help in finding him.
Mason Reed 
Authorities have identified the victim of a fatal shooting in Birmingham that occurred during a suspected vehicle break-in. According to information provided by 205focus.com, the incident involved a man who officials say was fatally shot while possibly breaking into someone’s car.
Tragic identity revealed
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office confirmed Thursday that the man killed was 30-year-old Martez Rashad Dunner of Birmingham. His family received the devastating news just hours after sharing urgent pleas on social media seeking help to locate him. Loved ones noted that Dunner was non-verbal and diagnosed with schizophrenia.
The incident
The shooting took place shortly after 8:55 p.m. on Tuesday in the Roebuck area. East Precinct officers responded to a 911 call from a resident in the 100 block of Hyacinth Drive who reported hearing a noise in his yard. Upon investigating, the resident discovered an unknown man at his vehicle.
Officer De’Rell Freeman stated that a physical altercation broke out between the two men, resulting in the resident shooting Dunner. Although emergency responders transported Dunner to UAB Hospital, he was pronounced dead at 9:54 p.m. Freeman noted that while investigators have confirmed a physical struggle occurred, it remains unclear if Dunner was armed.
Current investigation status
Following the shooting, the resident was held at the Birmingham City Jail for questioning. As of the latest update, he is no longer listed as an inmate, and no formal charges have been announced. This case marks the 17th homicide in Birmingham this year.
