A 41-year-old Birmingham man, Donald Dewayne Holt, has been charged with murder following the shooting death of his cousin, Curtis Holt Jr., aged 36. The incident occurred on March 22, 2025, in Birmingham, Alabama, where Holt also faces charges for the attempted murder of another family member.
- Birmingham man charged with cousin's murder
- Shooting occurred on Hemlock Avenue
- Two victims: one dead, one injured
- Donald Holt captured within two hours
- 19 homicides reported in Birmingham this year
- Recent spike in violence after a lull
Birmingham police tactical officers apprehended Holt within two hours of the shooting. He is currently held without bond at the Jefferson County Jail.
The fatal shooting took place shortly after 8 p.m. on Hemlock Avenue. According to police reports, both victims were found inside a home with serious injuries. One victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the chest while the other was shot in the leg. Emergency responders transported both men to UAB Hospital; however, Curtis Holt was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Donald Holt allegedly fled the scene but was captured by law enforcement soon after. This incident marks one of several violent occurrences over that weekend in Birmingham, contributing to an alarming rise in homicides this year.
- So far in 2025, there have been 19 homicides reported in Birmingham.
- In Jefferson County overall, there have been a total of 30 homicides this year.
- This represents a significant increase compared to last year at this time when there were only 32 homicides citywide and 34 countywide.
This recent violence follows a month-long period without any recorded homicides in Birmingham. Alongside Curtis Holt’s death, Dorian Jackson was also fatally shot during an unrelated incident on March 22nd. These events highlight ongoing concerns regarding public safety and gun violence within the community.
The tragic shooting involving Donald Dewayne Holt underscores ongoing issues related to gun violence and familial disputes within communities. As investigations continue and legal proceedings unfold, local authorities are urged to address these pressing concerns effectively.
