Jefferson County, AL – The first days of 2025 have brought a wave of violence to Jefferson County, leaving four men dead in separate incidents. The killings, which occurred between New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, have cast a shadow over the region and highlighted the ongoing challenges of addressing violent crime.

The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified the victims as:

  • Derek Marcus Burpo, 51, of Birmingham
  • Elijah Mack Jr., 65, of Birmingham
  • Jason Neal Duke, 40, of Graysville
  • Ernest Paul Christion Jr., 68, of Birmingham

These deaths, which took place in Birmingham, Graysville, and Bessemer, underscore the troubling start to the new year.


Case 1: The Tragic Death of Derek Marcus Burpo

The violent start to 2025 began with the senseless killing of 51-year-old Derek Marcus Burpo, a Domino’s pizza delivery driver who was fatally shot during an apparent robbery on Wednesday night in Birmingham’s Roebuck neighborhood.

The incident occurred around 9 p.m. on January 1, 2025. Police responded to reports of gunfire in the 400 block of Roebuck Drive and found Burpo unresponsive near his vehicle, which still contained the pizzas he was delivering. He was pronounced dead at 9:42 p.m. by Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service.

“This is one of the most heartbreaking homicides we have witnessed,” said Officer Truman Fitzgerald of the Birmingham Police Department. “A man out trying to make an honest living was killed so violently. They robbed a family of their loved one.”

Investigators are working to determine whether the robbery was premeditated or a crime of opportunity. Residents in the area reported hearing multiple gunshots, but no suspects have been identified.

Burpo’s death has sent shockwaves through the community. He was described by coworkers as a dedicated employee and by neighbors as a kind and hardworking man. A makeshift memorial has been set up near the site of the shooting, with flowers, candles, and handwritten notes left in his memory.

Police are urging anyone with information to come forward by contacting Birmingham homicide detectives at 205-254-1764 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.


Case 2: Domestic Dispute Turns Deadly in Graysville

Just hours earlier, Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputies were called to the scene of a fatal domestic dispute in Graysville. The incident took place in the 300 block of 1st Avenue SW around 1:21 a.m. on New Year’s Day.

Deputies arrived to find Jason Neal Duke, 40, deceased at the scene. Graysville Fire and Rescue pronounced him dead at 1:51 a.m.

Investigators believe the shooting stemmed from a domestic argument that escalated into violence. A 40-year-old male suspect was taken into custody but later released pending a review by the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office to determine if charges will be filed.

Neighbors expressed shock over the incident, describing the area as typically quiet. “You never think something like this will happen so close to home,” said a resident who wished to remain anonymous.

The investigation is ongoing, and police are continuing to gather evidence to determine whether the shooting was an act of self-defense or a criminal act.


Case 3: Stabbing in Ensley Claims the Life of Ernest Paul Christion Jr.

Birmingham’s West Precinct officers were dispatched to a home in the 2500 block of 15th Street Ensley on the evening of December 31, 2024. Inside, they discovered 68-year-old Ernest Paul Christion Jr. unresponsive from apparent stab wounds.

Christion was transported to UAB Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 7:50 p.m.

Neighbors reported hearing a commotion inside the home before police arrived, but no arrests have been made. Investigators are interviewing witnesses and attempting to piece together the events that led to Christion’s death.

“This is a tragic situation, and we are committed to finding out who is responsible for this senseless act,” said a Birmingham Police spokesperson.

Family members described Christion as a loving father and grandfather who was deeply rooted in the Ensley community. “He was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back,” said his daughter.


Case 4: Assault Claims the Life of Elijah Mack Jr.

The circumstances surrounding the death of Elijah Mack Jr., 65, remain unclear. Authorities have confirmed that Mack was the victim of a fatal assault but have not released further details about the incident.

Mack’s death occurred in Birmingham, adding to the city’s already troubling start to the new year. Investigators are actively working to uncover the circumstances of his death and identify any suspects involved.


A Troubling Trend of Violence

These four homicides come as Jefferson County grapples with a violent start to 2025. Birmingham ended 2024 with 151 homicides, the highest number recorded since 1933. The city’s homicide rate, combined with ongoing gun violence and domestic disputes, has left residents feeling uneasy about the future.

“This is not the way we wanted to begin the year,” said Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin in a public statement. “We must come together as a community to address the root causes of violence and work toward a safer Birmingham.”

Local leaders and activists have called for renewed efforts to combat violence, including increased community policing, investments in youth programs, and stricter gun control measures.


Impact on the Community

The violent deaths of Burpo, Duke, Christion, and Mack have left their families and the broader Jefferson County community in mourning. Vigils are being planned to honor their lives, and calls for justice echo across social media and community gatherings.

Residents in East Birmingham, Graysville, and Ensley have expressed frustration with the lack of progress in reducing crime rates. Many are demanding more proactive measures from city leaders and law enforcement.

“It feels like we’re losing our community to violence,” said an Ensley resident. “We need real solutions, not just words.”


Calls for Action

As investigators work tirelessly to solve these cases, local organizations are stepping up efforts to provide support to affected families and address the root causes of violence.

Nonprofits such as Birmingham Peace Coalition and Mothers Against Gun Violence are advocating for community-led initiatives to reduce crime and provide resources for at-risk youth.

“These tragedies remind us that we have so much work to do,” said Carolyn Richards, founder of Mothers Against Gun Violence. “We must invest in our communities and create opportunities that prevent these kinds of incidents from happening.”


What’s Next?

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and Birmingham Police Department continue to investigate these four homicides. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in bringing closure to the victims’ families.

“We cannot solve these cases without the help of the community,” said Officer Fitzgerald. “If you know something, please say something. Every piece of information matters.”

As Jefferson County moves forward, the memories of Burpo, Duke, Christion, and Mack will serve as a somber reminder of the urgency needed to address the region’s violence. Community leaders, law enforcement, and residents alike are hoping that 2025 will bring not just challenges but also meaningful change.

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