From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM — A deadly Saturday in Birmingham had police investigating two homicides in less than 24 hours.
Officer Rodarius Mauldin said that detectives are conducting a homicide investigation after an incident that occurred on Saturday at approximately 11:25 p.m.
Mauldin said officers from the North Precinct responded to Third Avenue West and First Street West on a report of a person shot. When officers arrived, they found the victim lying on the ground in a grassy area suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Birmingham Fire and Rescue responded to the scene and transported the victim to UAB Hospital. Detectives later learned that the victim had subsequently succumbed to his injuries.
The victim has been identified as Christopher Watson, 31, of Birmingham.
No suspect is in custody at this time, Mauldin said. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
Earlier on Saturday, at 8:45 p.m., police said officers from the North Precinct responded to First Street and Reverend Abraham Woods Jr. Boulevard on a report of a person shot. Officers arrived and found the victim lying on the ground unresponsive, suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim in that shooting was identified as Anthony Tolbert, 30, of Graysville.
Birmingham Fire and Rescue responded to the scene and pronounced Tolbert deceased as a result of his injuries.
According to law enforcement, detectives later learned that while standing in the midst of a mobile car wash area with several others, a single gunshot was fired and several people dispersed. Shortly after that, Tolbert was found in the alleyway unresponsive after he ran a short distance and collapsed.
If there is anyone who has information pertaining to the case, please contact the B.P.D. Homicide Unit at 254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 254-7777.