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.
Authorities have released a significant update regarding the AMBER Alert issued in Austin, Texas.
Law enforcement officials confirm that the suspect connected to the case has been located, and the red 2017 Ford Mustang believed to have been involved has been recovered.
However, 12-year-old Jazzlyn Anzora remains missing.
Officials emphasize that the search for the child is ongoing and that she may still be in danger.
Missing Juvenile Information
Name: Jazzlyn Anzora
Age: 12
Height: 5 feet 3 inches
Weight: 140 pounds
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown
Jazzlyn was last seen around 12:00 a.m. on February 24 in the 1700 block of Wells Branch Parkway in North Austin.
At the time she was last seen, she was reportedly wearing:
- A red sweater
- A white long-sleeve shirt
- Christmas-themed pants
- Carrying a Nike backpack
Suspect Information
Authorities previously identified the suspect as 18-year-old Henry Mejia.
Description:
- Black hair
- Brown eyes
- Approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall
- Approximately 170 pounds
- Distinct shaved line on one eyebrow
Officials have confirmed that the suspect has now been located.
Further details regarding his status have not yet been released.
Vehicle Information (Recovered)
The vehicle believed to be associated with the case has been recovered.
Make: Ford
Model: Mustang
Year: 2017
Color: Red
License Plate: VVK2712 (Texas)
Additional Identifiers: Aftermarket chrome wheels and a white logo sticker on the passenger-side window
Ongoing Search Efforts
The AMBER Alert was issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety following Jazzlyn’s disappearance.
The Travis County Sheriff’s Office continues to lead the investigation and coordinate search efforts.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any information that could assist in locating the child safely.
How to Report Information
Anyone with information regarding Jazzlyn Anzora’s whereabouts is urged to:
- Call 911 immediately if there is an immediate sighting
- Contact the Travis County Sheriff’s Office at 512-974-0845 (Option 3)
Officials stress that locating the missing child safely remains the top priority.