Crime

District Attorney Drops Charges Against Marshae Jones

Jefferson County Bessemer Cutoff District Attorney Lynneice Washington announced Wednesday afternoon that she has dropped the manslaughter case against Marshae Jones, the Alabama woman who was charged in the death of her fetus when she was shot in the stomach during an argument.

“Harsh and Sad at the Same Time” – Residents React to Case of Marshae Jones

Marshae Jones was charged with manslaughter in the death of her fetus after being shot in the stomach during a fight. The case has drawn international attention, with people on both sides of the debate over whether a fetus should have the rights of personhood.

Lawyers File Motion to Dismiss Charges Against Woman Whose Fetus was Killed in Fight

Lawyers for a Jefferson County woman who was charged last week with manslaughter in the death of her 5-month-old fetus filed a motion to dismiss on Monday.

Crime Wave Highlights Barriers Between Police and Hispanic Community

Recently there’s been a surge in crimes targeting the Hispanic community in and around Birmingham. Police want victims to feel comfortable reporting the incidents, but that means overcoming some roadblocks.

Family of Emantic Bradford Jr. Renews Calls for Transparency

The family of a man killed by police in a Thanksgiving mall shooting wants authorities to release all video footage and the name of the officer involved.

Birmingham Police Arrest Man Suspected of Killing Police Sergeant

The man suspected of killing Birmingham Police Sgt. Wytasha Carter last month was arrested Thursday as he was released from rehab.

What the DOJ Review Could Mean for Bradford Shooting Investigation

The U.S. Department of Justice is reviewing the case of the Hoover police officer who shot and killed 21-year-old Emantic "EJ" Bradford Jr. on Thanksgiving. To help us unpack this, we turned to former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama Joyce White Vance.

Officials Won’t Name Hoover Officer Involved in Shooting. Why Not?

Officials still have not released the name of the police officer who shot and killed a 21-year-old black man at the Riverchase Galleria mall. The attorney general cleared the officer of any wrongdoing. Should authorities release his name?

Protests Move To Montgomery, Hoover Mayor Speaks Out

Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato says the city plans to defend the unidentified officer who shot and killed Emantic Bradford Jr. in any future civil litigation. Meanwhile, outraged protesters demonstrate outside of the state attorney general's office in Montgomery.

AG Steve Marshall Explains Why He Cleared Hoover Officer in Fatal Shooting

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall's office spent more than two months investigating the shooting death of Emantic "EJ" Bradford Jr. at the hands of a Hoover police officer. Marshall released the findings of his investigation and explained to WBHM why he won't prosecute the officer.

AG Marshall: Hoover Police Officer Was Justified in Fatal Shooting

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall says the officer who shot and killed Emantic Bradford Jr. Thanksgiving night was justified. This comes in a report released Tuesday, more than two months after the shooting.

Bradford Family Renews Calls For Release of Shooting Video

The family of Emantic “EJ” Bradford Jr. renewed the call today for authorities to release all videos from the fatal Thanksgiving night shooting at the Riverchase Galleria mall.

Grand Jury to Decide Fate of Man Charged in Mall Shooting

A Jefferson County judge sent the case of Erron Brown to a grand jury following a Thursday preliminary hearing. Brown is charged with attempted murder in the mall shooting that injured two people and left one dead on Thanksgiving.

Birmingham Police Officer Killed, Another Wounded in Downtown Shooting

A Birmingham police officer was fatally shot downtown Sunday morning and another critically wounded. The slain officer has been identified as Sgt. Wytasha Carter, 44, of Birmingham.

U.S. Marshal Talks Crime, Collaboration and Change

You probably remember westerns where with U.S. Marshals ride into town and take on criminals. Well in real life in North Central Alabama, it’s U.S. Marshal Marty Keely who leads the team capturing federal criminals and works through a regional task force to fight crime.

Crime in Greater Birmingham: Targeting the Violence

There was a spike in homicide last year and Birmingham is on pace to hit a new high this year. Studies show much of this violence isn’t random. According to data from the University of Cincinnati Policing Institute, less than one percent of a city’s population contribute to more than 73 percent of violent crime. Other cities have instituted programs to cut down on homicide, by targeting the groups and people most likely to be involved. Birmingham started its own initiative last year.

Crime in Greater Birmingham: An Increase or Perception?

Birmingham finished 2015 with an increase in homicides. That’s a reversal from the last several years where those numbers dropped to levels not seen in a generation. With that rise and the headlines that come with it, crime is pushing back to the forefront of community conversation. This week, we’ll explore crime in the greater Birmingham area. WBHM’s Andrew Yeager kicks off our series.