Crime & Safety
Suspect Arrested In October 2019 Homicide
Police have charged a suspect with the October murder of Towan Lee in the Zion City community.
BIRMINGHAM, AL — Police have arrested a suspect and charged him with the October 2019 murder of Towan Lee. Ray Franklin, 40, was arrested Friday and charged with murder, unlawful possession of controlled substances, unlawful possession of marijuana and trafficking marijuana.
The Birmingham Police Department launched a homicide investigation after finding Lee dead in the road at 93rd Street North and 7th Court North. The incident occurred Oct. 17 around 2 p.m.
Sgt. Johnny Williams of the Birmingham Police Department said investigators developed information that Franklin killed Lee in retaliation for a previous incident.
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Franklin will be transferred to the custody of the Jefferson County Jail and held on bonds totally $975,000.
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