Zetarius Free Death – The Birmingham police department reported that a man was fatally shot and two others were hospitalized following a shootout on Saturday morning in the Bridlewood area. The incident occurred at around 11 a.m. in the courtyard of the Carson Crest apartment complex located at 1401 Carson Road. Upon arrival, the victims were not present at the scene.
The two men were taken to St. Vincent’s East Hospital, where one of them, identified as Zetarius Free, 23, was pronounced dead. The other man sustained life-threatening injuries and was transferred to UAB Hospital for further treatment. An innocent bystander, a woman caught in the crossfire, was found at a nearby church and taken to the hospital by Birmingham Fire and Rescue with non-life-threatening injuries.
According to investigators, the shootout stemmed from a verbal altercation, leading one of the men to open fire, with the other man retaliating. The reason behind the argument remains unknown. Officer Truman Fitzgerald, a police spokesperson, praised the residents for promptly contacting 911. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that gunshots were heard during the emergency call.
Fitzgerald condemned the recent increase in daytime homicides in Birmingham, highlighting the dangerous mindset of violent offenders. He assured that the authorities are committed to apprehending those responsible for such acts of violence and ensuring the safety of innocent residents.
