On a summer afternoon in Birmingham, Alabama, a residence in the 1000 block of 42nd Place North became the scene of a tragic discovery. On August 5, 2021, police responded to a call of a person shot and found two men inside the home, both of whom had been fatally wounded. One of the victims was identified as Ellis Lewis Embry, a 66-year-old Black male. The other man was 49-year-old Timothy Lashawn Erby.
Officers arriving at the scene found Mr. Embry unresponsive in a hallway, while Mr.
Erby was discovered in the kitchen. Both men had sustained apparent gunshot wounds. Despite the arrival of Birmingham Fire and Rescue personnel, both Ellis Lewis Embry and Timothy Erby were pronounced deceased at the location of the incident.
The Birmingham Police Department quickly launched a double homicide investigation into the deaths. In the days and months that followed, authorities appealed to the public for any information that might lead to the apprehension of the person or persons responsible for this violent act. Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama became involved, offering a cash reward for tips leading to an arrest.
As the investigation continued into the following year, the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Birmingham Field Office joined the efforts to solve the case. In June 2022, the FBI announced a significant reward of up to $10,000 for information that would result in the arrest and conviction of a suspect. However, despite these efforts and the substantial reward offered, no arrests have been publicly announced in connection with the murders of Ellis Lewis Embry and Timothy Lashawn Erby. The case remains an open and active investigation, with law enforcement still seeking clues to bring justice to the victims and their families.
