BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — An 82-year-old woman was fatally struck by a stray bullet Wednesday evening while sitting on her porch in Birmingham, police said. The shooting occurred around 8 p.m. on the 3200 block of Balsam Avenue SW, where officers found Aldorthia Burrell wounded on her porch after responding to reports of gunfire. She was transported to UAB Hospital and later pronounced dead by the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office.
According to investigators, an altercation on 33rd Street SW led to gunfire that left Burrell as an unintended victim. As of Thursday, police had made no arrests in the case. Birmingham Police Chief Michael Pickett lamented the loss, calling it unacceptable and emphasizing that the search for those responsible would continue until an arrest is made.
Burrell’s death marks one of at least 67 homicides reported in the Birmingham area so far this year, reflecting ongoing concerns about gun violence in the city. Officials are appealing to the community for help, urging anyone with information to contact Birmingham detectives at 205-254-1764 or CrimeStoppers at 205-254-7777.
The Birmingham community, shaken by the tragedy, has responded with renewed calls for cooperation to address the city’s ongoing homicide rate and violence.