In the late afternoon of June 7, 2024, Willie Lee Dorsey Jr., a 55-year-old male, was fatally shot in the parking lot of a 5 Points West Food Mart on Bessemer Road in Birmingham, Alabama. The incident occurred around 3:22 p.m., prompting multiple Shot Spotter alerts and a swift response from West Precinct officers. Upon their arrival, they discovered Dorsey unresponsive.
Despite the efforts of Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service, he was pronounced dead at the scene at 3:40 p.m.
The investigation into the shooting led police to a suspect who had fled the scene. With the assistance of the department's Real Time Crime Center, patrol officers were able to locate and take the individual into custody for questioning without incident. The shooter reportedly went to the location, shot Dorsey, and then left.
Following a review of the evidence presented by the Birmingham Police Department, the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office made a significant determination in the case. The shooting of Willie Lee Dorsey Jr. was ruled to be justified. Consequently, no criminal charges were filed against the individual who fired the fatal shot. Authorities have not publicly detailed the specific circumstances that led to the shooting being deemed justifiable. Funeral services for Dorsey were held the following week.
