BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A late-night gathering in the Inglenook neighborhood turned deadly Friday, September 19, when a 21-year-old man was fatally shot. The Birmingham Police Department has identified the victim as James Burns Jr., a resident of Pinson. His death adds to the city’s growing concerns over gun violence, leaving family, friends, and community members grieving.
Police said officers responded to the 4300 block of 41st Avenue North just before 10 p.m. after reports of gunfire. When they arrived, they found Burns unresponsive in the doorway of a residence, suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite life-saving efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators quickly learned that a party was taking place at the location when the shooting unfolded.
According to detectives, Burns became involved in a physical altercation with another man during the gathering. The confrontation escalated when the suspect reportedly pulled out a firearm and shot Burns before fleeing the scene in a vehicle. The sudden eruption of violence turned a night of socializing into a tragedy that has shaken those who knew the victim.
Authorities acted swiftly in the aftermath. Within hours of the incident, police located the suspected shooter and took him into custody. His identity has not yet been released, but officials confirmed he is being held at the Birmingham City Jail under a 48-hour felony extension. Detectives are continuing to gather witness statements and review evidence before formal charges are filed.
This incident underscores the dangers posed when conflicts escalate in social settings where firearms are present. Police stressed that while preliminary findings suggest the shooting stemmed from a fight, additional details remain under investigation. It has not yet been confirmed whether Burns and the suspect knew each other prior to the altercation, or what may have sparked the dispute. Officials said more information will be shared as the investigation progresses.
For the family and friends of James Burns Jr., the loss is profound. At only 21, his life was cut short in an act of senseless violence that could have been prevented. Community members have expressed sadness and frustration as Birmingham continues to grapple with deadly shootings. As detectives move forward with their investigation, police have pledged to keep the public informed and encourage anyone with further details to come forward.