The Birmingham Police Department reports that detectives have arrested and charged a suspect in connection with a homicide investigation. The incident occurred Friday, February 6, 2015 in the 6500 block of Interlaken Ave South (Marks Village Housing Community).
On Friday, February 6, 2015 around 2:37 p.m. East Precinct officers were dispatched to the listed location on a person shot. Upon arrival, officers found the victim lying on the ground suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest area. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene by Birmingham Fire and Rescue.
Our investigation revealed that the victim had an argument with his girlfriend earlier during the day. The girlfriend’s brother drove to the location and both the victim and brother started arguing. The brother (suspect) pulled out a handgun and shot the victim in the chest. Apparently, there were several witnesses in the area as the incident was developing but no one attempted to intervene. The brother (suspect) was taken into custody pending formal charges.
The victim has been identified as:
Raphael Roman, B/M, 29, of Birmingham, Alabama
The suspect has been identified as:
Ronald Austin, B/M, 21, of Gardendale, Alabama. A Murder warrant with a $60,000 bond has been obtained against the suspect. The suspect is in the custody of the Jefferson County Jail.
If there is anyone who has additional information pertaining to this case, they are encouraged to contact the B.P.D. Homicide Unit at 254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 254-7777.
