Chase, crash, arrest on capital murder charges for 2 teens

Detectives from Birmingham police arrested and charged the two suspects in connection with a homicide investigation of the shooting occurred Wednesday in the 1500 block of Lomb Ave.

The victim was identified as James Bennefield, 46, of Cullman.

Horayshio Fletcher
Photo via Birmingham police

Vershawn Edwards Photo via Birmingham police

Horayshio Fletcher, 17, and Vershawn Edwards, 16, both of Birmingham, were charged with capital murder warrants. There is no bond. The suspects are in the Jefferson County Jail.

West Precinct Task Force officers were able to locate the victim’s truck several hours later on Powderly Avenue SW. Officers attempted to stop the truck on 24th Street SW but the suspects refused to stop.

After a short pursuit the vehicle turned into Cooper Green Park, where the driver lost control of the truck and struck a tree. The suspects exited the vehicle running and were immediately apprehended by West Precinct officers.

“This homicide shows the multiple issues we face with violent crime,” Chief A.C. Roper said. “Here we have two young men, one out on bond for another crime, committing a senseless act of violence. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family and yet we cannot forget about the potential of these young men that has now been waste.”