Curtis Jerome Pruitt Obituary, Death: 65-year-old man fatally shot in daytime Birmingham incident.
Curtis Jerome Pruitt Obituary, Death – A 65-year-old man was fatally shot in broad daylight while sitting inside an SUV in North Birmingham, and authorities have now released his identity. The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office confirmed the victim as Curtis Jerome Pruitt, a Birmingham resident.
The shooting occurred on Sunday afternoon, shortly after 2:30 p.m. Officers from the Birmingham Police Department’s North Precinct were dispatched to the 900 block of Center Street North after receiving reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found a gray SUV nearby in the 10 block of 9th Avenue West, just a short walk from the original location. The vehicle was positioned close to a small apartment complex.
When police located the SUV, they found Pruitt in the driver’s seat, unresponsive. Emergency personnel from Birmingham Fire and Rescue attempted to revive him on site before transporting him to UAB Hospital. Despite their efforts, Pruitt was pronounced dead at the hospital.
According to Officer Truman Fitzgerald, investigators believe a male suspect approached the SUV on foot and opened fire on Pruitt before fleeing the scene. The motive for the shooting remains unclear, and authorities have not yet released any suspect descriptions.
The Birmingham Police Department’s Real Time Crime Center is assisting in the investigation by reviewing surveillance footage and canvassing the area for potential witnesses. Officer Fitzgerald urged the public to come forward with any information, emphasizing the boldness of the attack happening in the middle of the day. “This happened in broad daylight on a Sunday and we’re urging the public—if you saw anything—to please contact Crime Stoppers,” Fitzgerald said.
Pruitt’s death marks the 43rd homicide in Birmingham so far this year. In Jefferson County as a whole, there have been a total of 67 homicides, which includes those that occurred in Birmingham.
Investigators are seeking any leads that could help them identify the shooter or understand the circumstances surrounding the fatal encounter. Community members with relevant information are encouraged to call Birmingham Police at 205-254-1764 or contact Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. Anonymous tips are also accepted through these channels.
As the investigation continues, police are working to determine whether Pruitt was targeted and what events may have led up to the shooting. They are also trying to gather details from nearby residents or surveillance systems in the area that may have captured the suspect before or after the incident.
Authorities are stressing the importance of public cooperation in solving the case and bringing justice to the victim and his family. No arrests have been made at this time, and detectives are continuing to follow up on any available evidence.
