Crime
Bria McNeal-Williams Fatally Shot During Reported Burglary at Birmingham Residence
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — A 20-year-old woman was shot and killed Thursday afternoon at a residence in Birmingham’s South Pratt community during what authorities say may have been a burglary in progress.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Bria Danielle McNeal-Williams, a resident of Center Point.
Birmingham Police responded to the 2000 block of 10th Street shortly after 12:15 p.m. following reports of a shooting.
Upon arrival, officers located McNeal-Williams in the back doorway of the home suffering from a gunshot wound.
She was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to preliminary findings, a male resident contacted authorities reporting that an unknown individual was inside his home moments before gunfire erupted.
Investigators say multiple shots were fired, and the man remained at the location when officers arrived.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office confirmed Friday that the incident occurred during a suspected residential burglary.
At this time, investigators have not determined whether there was any prior connection between McNeal-Williams and the shooter.
Police confirmed that the man involved has been taken into custody. His identity has not yet been released, and no charges have been announced as the investigation continues.
Detectives are urging anyone with information to contact Birmingham Police at 205-254-1700. Tips may also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
This remains an active and developing investigation.
Further updates will be released as details become available.
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subject’s vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.