BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Birmingham police and the Jefferson County District Attorney have ruled a late-night shooting at Elyton Village public housing as justifiable, following a fatal altercation involving a reported home break-in.
Authorities identified the victim as Tedarius Montez Seawright, age 33, who died from a gunshot wound after entering an apartment on the 1400 block of 4th Court West shortly before midnight on September 9.
Police stated Seawright was the ex-boyfriend of a woman living in the apartment, and the shooter was identified as her current boyfriend. Officers responded to reports of a break-in just after 11:50 p.m. and found Seawright unresponsive at the scene.
According to investigators, Seawright entered the apartment without permission, resulting in a physical confrontation between him and the boyfriend already inside. During the struggle, shots were fired, fatally wounding Seawright.
The shooter remained at the scene and was taken into custody for questioning at Birmingham police headquarters. A 48-hour investigative hold was placed pending further review of the evidence by authorities.
After examining reports and circumstances, the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office determined that the use of deadly force was warranted under Alabama law, and no charges would be filed in connection with the incident.
This shooting marks the 58th homicide of the year in Birmingham and contributes to a county-wide total of 89 homicides in Jefferson County so far in 2025. Law enforcement officials have highlighted the ongoing concerns about violence in the city’s public housing communities.
Officials are asking anyone with further information about the case to contact Birmingham homicide detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. The investigation remains active as authorities seek to address gun violence in the region.