Crime
51-year-old Derek Burpo shot and killed during apparent robbery while delivering pizza in Birmingham
Birmingham, AL – A 51-year-old man delivering pizza in east Birmingham was fatally shot during what appears to be a robbery on Wednesday night, marking the city’s first homicide of 2025.
The incident occurred around 9:45 p.m. in the 400 block of Roebuck Drive. Authorities have identified the victim as Derek Marcus Burpo, a Birmingham resident.
Burpo was discovered lying on the ground near his vehicle, which still contained pizzas he was delivering. Tragically, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officer Truman Fitzgerald of the Birmingham Police Department expressed deep sorrow over the loss. “It’s horrible that Mr. Burpo was killed so violently while out trying to make an honest living,” Fitzgerald said.
“This is one of the most heartbreaking homicides we have witnessed. They robbed a family of their loved one.”
Police are actively investigating whether the robbery was premeditated or a crime of opportunity. Detectives have interviewed residents of the home near where the shooting occurred, as well as neighbors in the surrounding area.
Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots, but no suspects have been identified at this time.
Fitzgerald urged anyone with information to come forward, stating, “We need the community’s help to bring justice to Mr. Burpo’s family.”
This tragedy comes on the heels of a record-breaking year of violence in Birmingham.
The city ended 2024 with 151 homicides, surpassing a record set in 1933. Burpo’s death is also part of a troubling trend in Jefferson County, which has already seen two additional fatal shootings in Graysville and Bessemer since the start of the new year.
Police are urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact Birmingham homicide detectives at 205-254-1764. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
The Birmingham Police Department continues to emphasize the importance of community cooperation in solving violent crimes and preventing further loss of life.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.