The joy of a family gathering in Birmingham’s South Roebuck neighborhood shattered Sunday night when a domestic dispute turned fatal, leaving a 27-year-old man dead and several children traumatized by the violence they witnessed. The tragedy unfolded at a residence in the 700 block of Lisa Lane, where loved ones had come together to celebrate Easter and a birthday. What began as a moment of festivity ended in a devastating loss, marking another somber chapter in the city’s struggle with violent crime.
Just before 10:00 p.m., Birmingham police responded to reports of a shooting at the home. According to authorities, an argument erupted between 32-year-old Shatice Jackson and Mickese James Bostic, a man described by family members as a devoted father and friend. The nature of their relationship remains unclear, though police have classified the incident as domestic in nature. Inside the residence, the dispute escalated when Jackson allegedly drew a firearm and fired at Bostic. No one inside was hit, but the confrontation spilled outdoors, where the situation took a deadly turn.
Investigators say Jackson and Bostic exited the home, and Jackson entered her vehicle. In a moment of apparent rage, she accelerated, striking Bostic and pinning him against the side of the house. The impact was fatal, and Bostic was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders. The Birmingham Police Department’s Homicide Unit, now leading the investigation, described the sequence of events as both rapid and chaotic, leaving little time for intervention.
The presence of children at the gathering casts a particularly heartbreaking shadow over the incident. Several young family members witnessed the violent altercation, including the fatal moment when Bostic was struck. Authorities have not released the exact number or ages of the children present, but community leaders have already begun mobilizing resources to provide counseling and support for those affected. The emotional toll on the family, particularly the children, is expected to be profound, with local organizations stepping in to offer trauma-focused care.
Jackson was taken into custody at the scene by responding officers. As of Monday, formal charges had not been announced, though police indicated that the investigation is ongoing. Detectives are working to piece together the events leading up to the altercation, including any prior history between Jackson and Bostic. A motive has not been publicly disclosed, though authorities noted that domestic disputes often involve complex personal dynamics that require careful examination.
The incident adds to Birmingham’s troubling homicide statistics. In 2024, the city recorded 159 homicides, a sharp increase from previous years and a rate of 80.9 per 100,000 residents. South Roebuck, a working-class neighborhood, has not been immune to this violence, with earlier incidents in the area including a shooting at a local gas station. Community advocates have long called for increased investment in mental health services and conflict resolution programs to address the root causes of such tragedies.
For the family on Lisa Lane, the loss of Bostic and the trauma of the night will linger. Neighbors described the residence as a place of warmth, often filled with the laughter of children. Now, it stands as a reminder of how quickly celebration can turn to sorrow. As the investigation continues, the community is left grappling with questions about how to heal and prevent future heartbreak.