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
Jesse James West, 36, Dies After Being Shot by Kansas City, Kansas, Police Officer During Disturbance Response
KANSAS CITY, Kan. — A family’s request for help ended in tragedy Friday evening, November 6, 2026, when 36-year-old Jesse James West died after being shot by a police officer responding to a reported disturbance at a residence in Kansas City, Kansas.
The incident occurred in the 6500 block of Kansas Avenue, where officers were dispatched following a call from a woman who reported that a relative was behaving erratically inside a vehicle parked in the driveway. What began as a request for assistance became a fatal encounter that has left West’s loved ones grieving and raised difficult questions as investigators work to establish exactly what happened.
According to information released by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI), officers were dispatched at approximately 7:35 p.m. Two Kansas City, Kansas, police officers arrived at the residence around 7:50 p.m. and approached an SUV parked in the driveway.
Inside the vehicle, officers encountered West. One officer reportedly observed that he had a firearm.
The officers initially moved away from the SUV and instructed West to exit the vehicle with his hands raised. They later approached again and repeated their commands.
At approximately 7:56 p.m., as officers approached the SUV, one officer fired a single round, striking West. According to the KBI’s preliminary account, West was standing just outside the vehicle’s door when he was shot.
Officers immediately began providing life-saving medical assistance while waiting for emergency medical personnel to arrive.
West was transported to The University of Kansas Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.
No officers were reported injured during the incident. Investigators also said they located what they believe were components of a rifle at the scene.
The Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department requested assistance from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at approximately 8:25 p.m. The KBI is conducting an independent investigation into the officer-involved shooting.
Once the investigation is complete, the findings are expected to be submitted to the Wyandotte County District Attorney’s Office for review.
Authorities have not released further conclusions about the circumstances leading to the shooting. The investigation is ongoing, and the findings will help determine the full sequence of events.
Jesse James West was 36 years old. His death has left family members and loved ones facing a painful loss following an incident that began with a call for assistance.
The circumstances surrounding the encounter remain under investigation, and many questions may not be answered until investigators complete their review.
As his family mourns, thoughts are with everyone who knew and loved West. Losing someone unexpectedly is devastating, and the pain can be especially difficult when the circumstances remain unclear.
Our deepest condolences go out to Jesse James West’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. May they find strength, support, and comfort as they grieve.
May Jesse James West rest in peace.