From The Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM — A 12-year-old girl was killed during a drive-by shooting in Birmingham on Wednesday, Dec. 21, at approximately 1:51 a.m.
According to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, Audriana Pearson, 12, of Birmingham, sustained gunshot wound injuries during a reported assault in the 500 block of 16th Avenue Northwest in Birmingham.
Birmingham Police officers were dispatched to the area on a report of a person shot.
“Upon arrival, officers encountered family members who stated that a 12-year-old child was sleeping in bed and had been struck by gunfire,” BPD Sergeant Monica Law said.
Birmingham Fire Rescue arrived to the scene and pronounced Pearson dead.
“At this time, we do believe that this is a result of a drive-by shooting,” Law said. “We do not have any suspects in custody at this time.”
The Birmingham Police Department is investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
“The inability to control one’s anger and have peaceful conflict management continues to plague our city,” Law stated in a press release. “Families are left hurting, angry, and suffering at the hands of others, and we are tired of our communities being ravaged by senseless murder.
“No family deserves to face the murder of a loved one, especially when the victim is a child who should have had many more years ahead to learn and grow; children deserve to be safe at home with their families and enjoying the holiday season. They do not deserve to be gunned down while at home, where they expect comfort and safety.
“Detectives will work to gather any information they can; however, our best work is when we work together to bring those to justice who harm our children.”
Authorities ask anyone who has information pertaining to the case to contact the Homicide Unit at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
This is Birmingham’s 129th murder investigation of 2022, with 10 justifiable death investigations.
The story will be updated when more information is available.
