'This was targeted': 4 Birmingham men identified as victims of deadly shooting near Smithfield Library
Police are looking for suspects after a shooting in Birmingham claimed the lives of four people Friday.
It happened shortly before 3 p.m., in the 900 block of Center Street North, according to the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service. That's just a few blocks away from both Legion Field and the Smithfield Library.
Police got a ShotSpotter alert of multiple shots fired in that area and officers were told four people had been shot.
When officers arrived they saw four victims lying unresponsive on the ground near an open lot. All had apparent gunshot wounds.
The victims were identified by police as Cortez Ray, 32, Talton Tate, 36, Terrell Edwards, 38, and Kevin McGhee, 38, all of Birmingham.
Three people were pronounce dead at the scene and the fourth victim, Kevin McGhee, died at UAB hospital, according to the Birmingham Police Department.
Investigators believe that the men were outside a house at a neighborhood car wash when an unknown suspect(s) drove by and opened fire on them. Police believe one or more of the victims were targeted.
"I think people know it wasn't a random act," said Birmingham police Chief Scott Thurmond. "I mean, unfortunately, it's not often that we have random acts in our city. I mean, this was targeted."
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No suspects are in custody at this time.
A short time later, two people were found dead in a car who had been shot. They were identified as a couple who had been missing since they left for a date on Valentine's Day.
Birmingham Public Safety Chair LaTonya Tate condemned Friday's violence. In a statement, she said, "I refuse to sit by and watch these tragedies unfold, devastating families -- our friends, and our neighbors. Failure to address the killings in our city is not an option." Tate continued, "We have to make this city uncomfortable for these bad actors who wish to do harm. The culture of silence must also stop. If you see something, say something.
"Our hearts are shattered for the families, friends, and neighbors of the victims--and for all of Birmingham. We mourn with you, and we will fight with you to make our City safer for everyone."
This is a developing story and will be updated as information becomes available.