BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Birmingham police are investigating a deadly shooting that unfolded Tuesday afternoon in the Ensley neighborhood, an incident that was first reported as a traffic crash before officers discovered a homicide. The case remains under active investigation as detectives work to determine what led to the young man’s death.
According to the Birmingham Police Department, officers were dispatched shortly before 1:30 p.m. to the 1400 block of 29th Street in Ensley after receiving a call about a vehicle crash. When officers arrived, they found two vehicles at the scene. One vehicle was parked and unoccupied, while the second vehicle was overturned with a man still inside.
The man was later identified as Carlton Octavius Duncan, 20, police said. Birmingham Fire and Rescue personnel responded and attempted to provide aid, but Duncan was pronounced dead at the scene. At that time, officers were unsure whether the incident was related solely to a crash or something more serious.
Further investigation revealed that Duncan had been shot, according to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office. The discovery shifted the case from a traffic investigation to a homicide. Authorities have not released details about where Duncan was shot or whether the shooting occurred before or after the vehicle overturned.
Homicide detectives and crime scene investigators were called in and spent several hours processing the scene, documenting evidence, and working to piece together the sequence of events. Police have not said if Duncan was the intended target or if the shooting may have involved another vehicle or individual nearby.
At this time, no arrests have been made, and police said no one is currently in custody. Investigators emphasized that the case is still in its early stages and that additional information will be shared as it becomes available. Officers are continuing to canvass the area and review any possible surveillance footage that may assist the investigation.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward. Tips can be directed to the Birmingham Police Department Homicide Unit at 205-254-1764 or to Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. Police noted that Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards of up to $5,000, and tipsters can remain anonymous.
