BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A quiet Sunday afternoon in southwest Birmingham turned tragic when a verbal dispute escalated into gunfire, leaving 59-year-old Richard Dwayne Freeman dead and another individual in custody. The Birmingham Police Department is now investigating the city’s latest homicide.
Officers were called to the 3500 block of Maple Avenue shortly after 4 p.m. following reports of a person shot. Upon arrival, they discovered Freeman suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. Birmingham Fire and Rescue personnel immediately transported him to a nearby hospital, but despite emergency medical efforts, Freeman succumbed to his injuries a short time later.
Preliminary information indicates that an argument between two people grew heated, ultimately resulting in shots being fired. Detectives are still working to determine what led to the confrontation and whether the individuals involved knew each other prior to the incident. Police say the shooting appears isolated, and no additional suspects are being sought.
According to Birmingham Police, one person is currently in custody, and formal charges are pending as investigators continue to review evidence and interview witnesses. The identity of the detained individual has not yet been released.
Throughout Sunday evening, detectives and crime scene technicians remained on Maple Avenue, collecting shell casings, canvassing nearby homes for surveillance footage, and speaking with neighbors who reported hearing an argument moments before shots rang out. Authorities say community cooperation will be essential as they work to piece together the full timeline of events.
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Birmingham Police at 205-254-7777. Those wishing to speak directly with homicide detectives may call 205-254-1764. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers.
As the investigation moves forward, the community is left mourning the loss of Richard Dwayne Freeman, whose life was cut short during what police describe as a preventable dispute that escalated far too quickly.
