ABC 33/40
A 16-year-old Woodlawn High School student was killed in a shooting on Saturday, police say.
Birmingham Police tells ABC 33/40 that units from the East Precinct responded to reports of shots fired at 331 80th Street North around 12:30 a.m. Saturday and officers arrived to find 16-year-old William Edwards, of Birmingham inside the residence and unresponsive. Birmingham Fire & Rescue Crews as well as The Jefferson County Coroner arrived on scene and pronounced Edwards deceased.
The preliminary investigation shows Edwards was in his bedroom while someone fired multiple rounds from outside of his home into the room. At this time, police do not have any suspects and the investigation is ongoing.
Birmingham Police Chief Patrick D. Smith said, “We will do everything we can to solve this and all other crimes in the city. It is always heartbreaking when senseless violence take away young precious lives. It impacts our communities, schools and students. Our hearts are with his family and friends. We will work endlessly to bring his violent killer to justice.”
Birmingham City School officials released a statement that said they are “aware that police are conducting a homicide investigation into the death of William Edwards. William Edwards was an 11th grade student at Woodlawn High School, and a member of the football team. Beginning Tuesday, and throughout the week, grief counselors will be available at the school to provide grief counseling and support for any students or staff in need.”
Anyone with any information is urged to contact The Birmingham Police Homicide Unit at 254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 254-7777.
