Crime
47-year-old Damian Dawson killed after shooting on 9th Court West in Birmingham
The shooting stemmed from a domestic-related dispute.
Authorities confirmed that a female suspect involved in a fatal shooting on Monday evening has turned herself in to law enforcement.
A tragic incident unfolded Monday evening as Birmingham police launched their second homicide investigation within a two-hour span. The victim has been identified as 47-year-old Damian Dawson.
The shooting occurred at approximately 5:40 p.m. in the 100 block of Ninth Court West, located near the College Hills community.
According to Officer Truman Fitzgerald, North Precinct officers responded to reports of a shooting in the area. Upon arrival, they discovered Dawson lying in the driveway of a family member’s home, suffering from gunshot wounds.
Emergency personnel from Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service transported Dawson to UAB Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased shortly after arrival.
Fitzgerald confirmed that the shooting stemmed from a domestic-related dispute. The suspect, identified as Dawson’s ex-girlfriend, fled the scene before officers arrived.
The Birmingham Police Department’s Real Time Crime Center played a crucial role in assisting investigators to track the suspect. Officer Fitzgerald emphasized the importance of community involvement in advancing the case.
“The most powerful resource we have at this scene is community help and involvement,” Fitzgerald stated. “The community has been vital to this investigation, providing critical information to our detectives.”
Before the suspect turned herself in, Fitzgerald addressed her directly: “This is a case where we know exactly who shot the victim, and we know exactly who we’re looking for. We urge this person to please turn yourself in. It’s only a matter of time before our investigators and patrol officers will find you.”
This incident marks Birmingham’s eighth homicide in 2025. Jefferson County as a whole has recorded 13 homicides so far this year. In January 2024, Birmingham reported six homicides, with the final one occurring on January 25, 2024.
Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Birmingham detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. Anonymous tips are welcome.
The community and police department continue to grieve for the victim’s family while seeking justice for this tragic loss.
Crime
Chico Police Fatally Shoot Suspect Michael Oxley Following Weekend Attack on Local Barber George Ramirez III
The Butte County District Attorney’s Office and the Butte County Officer-Involved Shooting Protocol Team are actively investigating a fatal officer-involved shooting that occurred early Sunday morning in Chico.
The incident took place at The Post, an off-campus student housing complex on Nord Avenue, where members of the Chico Police SWAT team engaged 43-year-old Michael Oxley, a suspect in a Friday night shooting.
According to District Attorney Mike Ramsey, the situation began Friday evening when Oxley allegedly shot 43-year-old George Ramirez III, a well-known downtown Chico barber, in the parking lot of the Chico Farmer’s Market on Flume Street.
Ramirez was sitting in his vehicle when an assailant approached from behind and fired multiple rounds through the closed driver’s side window, striking him in the head, neck, and shoulder.
He was transported to an out-of-area hospital, where he underwent extensive surgery and remains in critical condition.
Following an overnight investigation, Chico Police identified Oxley as the primary suspect. Authorities determined that he was staying at The Post as an Airbnb resident, not as a student.
A warrant for his arrest was obtained through the District Attorney’s Office and a local judge.
Officers attempted to take Oxley into custody around 6 p.m. on Saturday, but he barricaded himself inside his apartment, prompting a lockdown of the housing complex.
The situation escalated when Oxley fled to the parking structure, where SWAT officers contained him on a ramp between the fourth and fifth floors.
Authorities reported that Oxley was crouching with a pistol equipped with an extended magazine.
Despite two hours of negotiation urging him to surrender, Oxley stood up and opened fire at officers.
In response, six members of the Chico Police SWAT team returned fire, fatally wounding him. The shooting occurred at approximately 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 2.
The Butte County Officer-Involved Shooting Protocol Team launched an immediate investigation following the incident.
The six involved officers have been placed on administrative leave, per standard procedure in officer-involved shootings.
Authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the case, including the suspect’s motive and the sequence of events leading up to the fatal encounter.
Additional details will be released as the investigation progresses.