In the warm evening of July 1, 2024, the life of 30-year-old Kameron Connell was tragically cut short in Birmingham, Alabama. The male victim was found unresponsive in the parking lot of an apartment complex located in the 7700 block of 1st Avenue South. First responders from the East Precinct were dispatched to the scene around 8:00 p.m. following reports of a person shot. Despite being rushed to UAB Hospital, Connell succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.
Investigators began to piece together the events of that night, and their preliminary findings suggested a connection to a dice game that had been taking place in the area where Connell was found. This lead became a central focus of their investigation into what was marked as the city's 67th homicide of the year. The tragic incident cast a somber mood over the community, once again highlighting the persistent issue of gun violence.
The Birmingham Police Department's Homicide Unit diligently pursued leads in the case. Their efforts culminated on July 30, 2024, when they presented their findings to the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office. This resulted in the issuance of a murder warrant for 31-year-old Edrick Hagler of Center Point, Alabama. On August 8, 2024, the Birmingham Police Department's Crime Reduction Team located and apprehended Hagler. He was subsequently taken into custody and is being held in the Jefferson County Jail without bond, facing a charge of murder in connection with the death of Kameron Connell.
