BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Authorities have released the identity of a man who was shot and killed beneath an interstate bridge in Birmingham over the weekend. The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Anthony DeAngelo Avila, 38, of Birmingham.
Police were called to the area at 6:17 a.m. Saturday after a report of a man down on Second Avenue North at 11th Street, beneath the Interstate 65 bridge. Officers arrived to find Avila unresponsive, suffering from a gunshot wound. Birmingham Fire and Rescue crews responded and pronounced him dead at 6:30 a.m. The location where he was found is an area often used for shelter by members of the city’s homeless population.
According to Officer De’Rell Freeman, early findings suggest that the deadly shooting stemmed from a verbal argument between two individuals. The dispute reportedly began near the Church of the Reconciler and escalated to the 1000 block of Second Avenue North, where the shooting took place. Authorities have not said what the argument was about or if the individuals involved knew each other.
The Birmingham Police Department’s Crime Reduction Team responded quickly and remained in the area following the shooting. A person of interest was located and taken into custody without any resistance. However, as of now, no charges have been filed, and the suspect’s name has not been made public. Investigators continue to gather evidence and interview potential witnesses.
Officer Freeman noted that although the shooting happened on state property — beneath the I-65 bridge — Birmingham police are handling the investigation. State officials have been notified, but local detectives remain in charge of the case. Freeman also emphasized the department’s ongoing efforts to reduce gun violence in the city.
Avila’s death marks the 35th homicide in Birmingham so far in 2025. Across Jefferson County, there have been a total of 51 homicides this year. Police are asking anyone with information about the shooting to call Birmingham homicide detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. All calls to Crime Stoppers can be made anonymously. Investigators are hoping for the public’s help to bring justice in yet another tragic loss of life.
