Little Death, Prentice Lovell: Authorities have named the 15-year-old boy who tragically lost his life in a gunshot early on Sunday in Birmingham. The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified the adolescent as Prentice Lovell Little, a resident of Birmingham.
Incident Details
A shooting occurred in the 9200 block of Parkway East on July 7, 2024. Authorities believe that Prentice’s death was caused by inappropriate handling of a pistol. A fourteen-year-old boy was then placed in juvenile custody. Officer Truman Fitzgerald gave an update on the investigation, saying, “Based on the information we’ve gathered, it appears that we’re not dealing with a murder.” It’s more along the lines of a 15-year-old boy dying early in the morning when someone handled a gun incorrectly while young people were outside.
Timeline of Events
Shortly before 7 a.m. on Sunday, officers from the South Precinct were summoned to the UAB Hospital for a shot patient. Upon arriving at the hospital, they discovered that Prentice Little had been driven in a minivan to the emergency department. Despite attempts to revive him, he was pronounced dead at 8:28 a.m.
Location and Evidence
Further investigation suggested that the shooting may have taken place in the Roebuck or Huffman area. The spot, which was on the 9200 block of Parkway East, near to a small strip of stores and between Walmart and Wells Fargo, was found by officers from the East and South Precincts working together. Investigators found a gun that had been taken from some bushes nearby and blood on the ground.
Involvement of Other Juveniles
Four other boys, ages fourteen to eighteen, who had taken Prentice for help stayed at the hospital with him. All of them were taken to the police headquarters to face interrogation. Police later learned that the youths were all using the same van to go throughout east Birmingham. As stated by Officer Fitzgerald, “The 14-year-old male had a handgun in his hand and due to unknown circumstances, he fired the gun and he hit the 15-year-old victim and killed him somewhere between the 9200 block of Parkway East and a different location.”
Legal Actions and Community Reaction
All the young persons involved were questioned in front of their parents or legal guardians. Following a meeting with the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office, the 14-year-old was taken to the juvenile detention facility.
“This is a sad and tragic case,” Officer Fitzgerald said. All of these kids knew each other. This is just another example of a firearm falling into the wrong hands. The untimely death of Prentice Lovell Little has had a profound effect on the Birmingham community. The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers that come with minors handling weapons inappropriately while officials look into the matter further. Our thoughts and prayers are with Prentice’s family and friends during this dreadful time.
