4 dead after targeted shooting near Smithfield Library in Birmingham

Update: Lamarion Charlie Tykese, aged 20, has been apprehended and accused of the homicide of four childhood acquaintances on a residential street located in the College Hills neighborhood.

Police have reported four fatalities resulting from what they describe as a “targeted” shooting occurring around 3 p.m. on Friday on a residential street situated in the College Hills neighborhood, positioned between Parker High School and Legion Field stadium.

On Friday evening, Birmingham police released the identities of the victims as Cortez Ray, aged 32, Talton Tate, aged 36, Terrell Edwards, aged 38, and Kevin McGhee, aged 38.

Four men who grew up together tragically lost their lives in a recent shooting. Authorities and community members expressed deep shock and sadness over the recent loss of life. TJ Tait, described by his mother as kind and special, leaves behind a grieving community who remembers him fondly.

I think people know. It wasn’t a random act. Unfortunately, it’s not often we have random acts in our city. This was targeted,” Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond said. “There’s people who know why it occurred, they know who’s responsible. We need them to give us that information so we can get those people off the streets of Birmingham.

Three individuals perished at the scene, and another individual was conveyed to the hospital.

Unfortunately, despite undergoing surgery, the individual succumbed to their injuries at the medical facility.

Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond conducted a press briefing Friday afternoon, expressing his decision to address the city due to the magnitude of the incident, which he believes will profoundly impact both the city and the affected neighborhood.

Thurmond indicated that the shooting occurred at a local car wash within the neighborhood. However, authorities have yet to identify any suspects or determine their number.

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin released a statement on social media Friday night, revealing that one of the two deceased individuals discovered earlier that day in an unrelated incident was a relative.

Friday afternoon saw a section of Center Street cordoned off due to the incident. The shooting occurred three blocks away from Parker High School.

Birmingham City Schools confirmed that the school was not placed on lockdown as a result of the incident.

This is a developing story that will be updated when more information is available.