Suspect Arrested In Southtown Community Homicide

BIRMINGHAM, AL — A 30-year-old man is dead, and a suspect has been arrested after a shooting in Birmingham's Southtown housing community Friday. The incident occurred just before noon in the 2400 Block of 24th Street South.

Sgt. Rod Mauldin of the Birmingham Police Department said 30-year-old Emilio Elliot was found unresponsive and suffering from gunshot wounds after officers patrolling the area heard shots fired.

Mauldin said Elliot was lying next to a car with the door open and the engine still running. Birmingham Fire and Rescue responded to the scene and transported Elliot to UAB Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

The preliminary investigation suggests Elliot and the suspect, 26-year-old Montrel Austin, met at the location and Elliot was robbed by Austin. During the robbery gunfire, was exchanged resulting in the victim being mortally wounded, Mauldin said. Leads gathered during this investigation lead to Austin's arrest.

Austin is charged with capital murder, and is being held at Jefferson County Jail without bond.