Birmingham, AL – In a significant development in an ongoing homicide investigation, the Birmingham Police Department (BPD) has announced the arrest of a suspect in connection with the fatal shooting of Curtis Jerome Pruitt, a 65-year-old Birmingham resident who was killed on Sunday, July 20, 2025. The arrest represents a crucial step toward justice for Pruitt’s family and the broader Birmingham community.
**Arrest and Charges
On Wednesday, July 23, 2025, BPD homicide detectives, after a thorough investigation, presented evidence to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office. Following a detailed review, authorities issued a capital murder warrant against Jerome Reese Jr., a 56-year-old Black male from Hueytown, Alabama, identified as the suspect in Pruitt’s killing.
Later that day, the BPD’s Crime Reduction Team (CRT), a specialized unit dedicated to apprehending violent offenders, located and arrested Reese without incident in the 200 block of 25th Court Northwest, a residential area in western Birmingham. Reese is now in custody at the Jefferson County Jail, where he is being held without bond pending judicial proceedings.
**The Homicide: A Community in Mourning
The incident occurred just after 2:30 p.m. on July 20, 2025, when North Precinct officers responded to reports of a person shot in the 900 block of Center Street North, near the 10 block of 9th Avenue West. Upon arrival, officers found Pruitt unresponsive inside a gray SUV, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Birmingham Fire and Rescue personnel attempted life-saving measures, but Pruitt was rushed to UAB Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Investigators believe the shooting was not a random act, though specific details regarding the motive or the nature of the relationship between Reese and Pruitt have not been disclosed. The shooting took place near the site of a quadruple homicide in February 2024, adding to the community’s grief and concern over recurring violence in the College Hills neighborhood.
Pruitt, remembered by neighbors as a quiet and hardworking individual, leaves behind a grieving family and a community shaken by his loss. A growing memorial of flowers and candles now marks the site of the tragedy, reflecting the deep impact of his death on those who knew him.
**Community and Police Response
Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond praised the swift and coordinated efforts of the department, stating, “This arrest reflects the tireless work of our homicide detectives and Crime Reduction Team. We are unwavering in our commitment to holding those responsible for violent crimes accountable and delivering justice for victims and their families.”
The BPD continues to rely on community support to solve violent crimes, encouraging anyone with information about this case to contact the Homicide Unit at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777, where anonymous tips are welcomed. Authorities emphasize that community cooperation is vital in addressing Birmingham’s ongoing challenge with gun violence.
**A Call for Healing and Action
The arrest of Jerome Reese Jr. offers hope for accountability, but it also underscores the broader issue of gun violence in Birmingham. Pruitt’s death is the city’s 43rd homicide of 2025, contributing to a troubling total of 67 homicides across Jefferson County. City officials, community leaders, and faith-based organizations are renewing calls for proactive measures, including violence prevention initiatives, youth engagement programs, and stronger community-police partnerships to address the root causes of such tragedies.
As the legal process moves forward, the Birmingham Police Department remains dedicated to its mission of protecting and serving the community with integrity. The memory of Curtis Jerome Pruitt, like all victims of violence, continues to inspire efforts to create a safer and more peaceful Birmingham for all its residents.