Birmingham, AL – Lorenzo Davis Jr., 17, Killed in Late-Night Shooting at Collegeville Housing Complex, Marking City’s Second Teenage Homicide in Less Than a Week

A 17-year-old boy, Lorenzo Davis Jr., tragically lost his life late Thursday night after being shot in a hail of gunfire that erupted outside a public housing complex in Birmingham’s Collegeville community. This devastating event marks the city’s second teenage homicide in less than a week, highlighting the growing concerns over youth violence in the area.

Details of the Shooting Incident

According to the Birmingham Police Department, officers from the North Precinct responded to a report of a person shot at approximately 11:30 p.m. on the 2900 block of 29th Avenue North. Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered Lorenzo Davis Jr. unresponsive inside an apartment. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service quickly arrived at the location, but despite their efforts to revive him, Davis was pronounced dead at the scene at 11:50 p.m.

Preliminary investigations revealed that multiple rounds of gunfire were discharged from outside the apartment, with numerous shell casings found scattered across the crime scene. The apartment unit sustained several bullet holes, and a parked vehicle nearby was also damaged by the gunfire. However, investigators have yet to determine whether Davis was shot while inside the apartment or if he was struck outside and sought refuge indoors, hoping to escape the violent barrage of bullets.

The Community’s Heartbreak and Grief

The tragic loss of Lorenzo Davis Jr. has deeply shaken the Collegeville community. A crowd of family members, neighbors, and friends gathered near the scene of the shooting, many visibly devastated by the senseless act of violence. Among them were Davis’s parents, who collapsed in grief outside the apartment complex as the harsh reality of their son’s death began to set in. The emotional scene underscored the painful toll that violence continues to take on families and communities in Birmingham.

“This is a tragic loss for all of us,” said a family friend, speaking on the condition of anonymity. “Lorenzo was a young boy with so much potential, and it’s heartbreaking to see this happen in our community. No parent should ever have to experience this kind of pain.”

The Investigation and Search for Answers

The Birmingham Police Department has confirmed that no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified at this time. Authorities are actively investigating the incident, but the motive behind the shooting remains unclear. There is no information as of now to suggest whether the shooting was random or if Davis was specifically targeted.

The shooting adds to the ongoing violence plaguing the city of Birmingham, which has already seen 47 homicides this year alone. Across Jefferson County, including within the city limits, 72 homicides have been recorded in 2025. Local officials continue to express their concern over the alarming trend of violent crime, especially involving young people.

“We are saddened by the tragic loss of another young life in our city,” said Birmingham Police spokesperson Officer Truman Fitzgerald. “We are committed to finding the person or persons responsible for this senseless act and bringing them to justice.”

In the wake of this tragedy, investigators are calling on anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward. Authorities have urged anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant information to contact the Birmingham Police Department or Crime Stoppers anonymously. Tipsters can help authorities piece together the events leading up to the shooting, which will be crucial in bringing closure to the Davis family and ensuring justice is served.

A Devastating Trend: Youth Violence on the Rise

The shooting death of Lorenzo Davis Jr. highlights an unsettling pattern of youth violence in Birmingham. As the second teenage homicide within a week, it underscores the urgent need for community action and intervention. Local leaders have expressed their concerns about the escalating violence in Birmingham and the profound impact it has on families and neighborhoods.

“We have to do more to address the root causes of violence in our communities, especially when it comes to our young people,” said Mayor Randall Woodfin. “We must come together to find solutions to stop this cycle of violence and ensure our children are protected.”

In response to the growing crisis, city officials are working alongside community organizations and law enforcement to increase youth outreach programs, provide education on conflict resolution, and promote safer neighborhoods. The aim is to provide young people with the tools they need to avoid falling into the dangerous cycle of violence that continues to claim lives in Birmingham.

Family and Friends Remembering Lorenzo Davis Jr.

Despite the sorrow that surrounds his death, family and friends are remembering Lorenzo Davis Jr. for the light he brought into their lives. Described as a bright and caring young man, Lorenzo was known for his kindness and the joy he spread among his loved ones. His family is left devastated by the loss, struggling to understand how something so tragic could happen to such a promising young life.

“Lorenzo had so much ahead of him,” said a close family member. “He was always helping others, always looking out for his friends. It just doesn’t make sense that he’s gone.”

While the family grieves, they also hope that his death will serve as a wake-up call for the community, urging both the public and law enforcement to take stronger action against gun violence and its impact on youth.

The Ongoing Effort to Combat Gun Violence

The shooting of Lorenzo Davis Jr. is part of a broader epidemic of gun violence that continues to plague Birmingham and many cities across the United States. Authorities are ramping up efforts to curb the availability of firearms and reduce the number of violent incidents involving young people.

“The need for stronger gun control, community engagement, and youth intervention programs has never been more urgent,” said Officer Fitzgerald. “We can’t afford to lose more young lives to senseless violence.”

As the investigation into Davis’s death continues, the community remains united in its grief, determined to honor his memory and work toward preventing further tragedy.

A Call for Justice and Community Action

In the face of this devastating loss, community leaders, law enforcement, and local residents are calling for justice for Lorenzo Davis Jr. and for an end to the cycle of violence that continues to claim young lives in Birmingham. As the investigation continues and the search for answers intensifies, the hope remains that the person or people responsible for this senseless shooting will be brought to justice.

Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact the Birmingham Police Department or Crime Stoppers anonymously.

This story is developing. Stay tuned for updates.