In the early morning hours of Tuesday, October 6, 2023, the sound of gunfire shattered the peace in the 800 block of 2nd Avenue North in Birmingham, Alabama. A patrolling North Precinct officer was the first to hear the shots and immediately headed towards a local business parking lot where the sound had originated. Upon his arrival, community members alerted him to the tragic scene that had just unfolded.
On the ground, the officer found 22-year-old Jjuan Cole, a Black male, suffering
from an apparent gunshot wound. Nearby, another man, identified as 27-year-old Dyron Mays-Perry, was also found with gunshot wounds. A woman was also discovered at the scene, seriously injured by the gunfire. Birmingham Fire and Rescue personnel arrived shortly after and pronounced both Jjuan Cole and Dyron Mays-Perry deceased at the scene. The injured woman was transported to UAB Hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The preliminary investigation suggested that an unknown suspect or suspects had opened fire in the parking lot, striking the three victims. Several vehicles and a local business were also damaged by the gunfire. The motive for the shooting remains unknown, and as of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the double homicide. The Birmingham Police Department's Homicide Unit is actively investigating the case and has appealed to the public for any information that might lead to the apprehension of the person or persons responsible for the deaths of Jjuan Cole and Dyron Mays-Perry. A cash reward has been offered for tips that lead to a break in the case.
