A domestic dispute turned deadly in Birmingham’s Ensley neighborhood Monday afternoon, leaving one man dead and another critically injured after an exchange of gunfire. The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified the deceased as 42-year-old Christon Deandre Thorn, a Birmingham resident.
The shooting occurred at 4:35 p.m. in the 1500 block of 52nd Street in the Central Park neighborhood. According to Birmingham Police, the incident began as a domestic argument between Thorn and his girlfriend. The situation escalated when Thorn allegedly pulled out a firearm, leading to a shootout with a third individual, believed to be a friend or family member of the girlfriend.
Officers arrived on the scene within seconds, finding both men wounded outside a house. Thorn was pronounced dead at 4:53 p.m., while the second victim, possibly a juvenile, was rushed to UAB Hospital with life-threatening injuries. Shot Spotter technology detected at least 10 rounds exchanged during the altercation.
Police spokesperson Officer Truman Fitzgerald expressed frustration over the incident, noting that arguments are increasingly being resolved with firearms, resulting in tragic consequences. “Here you have a domestic argument where possibly someone chose to pull out a firearm, and then shots were exchanged,” he said. “Lives are lost, and people end up in the Jefferson County Jail because of it.”
The shooting took place just one block off busy Bessemer Road, near Central Park Chevron, where multiple children were playing outside when the gunfire erupted. Detectives are canvassing the neighborhood and speaking to witnesses, but Fitzgerald said the situation appears to be contained.
This tragic incident underscores the dangers of gun violence and the devastating impact it has on communities. As the investigation continues, authorities are urging residents to seek non-violent resolutions to conflicts and to prioritize safety.
The loss of Christon Deandre Thorn has left his loved ones grieving, while the surviving victim fights for their life. The Ensley community is left to grapple with yet another senseless act of violence, highlighting the urgent need for solutions to prevent such tragedies in the future.