On the evening of September 3, 2022, a burst of gunfire in a Birmingham, Alabama neighborhood claimed the life of 24-year-old Black / African American male Jalen Hector Jamarcus Tolbert. The shooting, which occurred in the Elyton Village housing community in the 100 block of 3rd Avenue West, also resulted in the death of 25-year-old Marquse Terrail Yarbrough, turning a Saturday night into the scene of a double homicide.
Reports from that night indicate that at approximately 9:20 p.m., Birmingham Police Department's North Precinct officers were dispatched to the area after receiving multiple Shot Spotter alerts. Upon their arrival, they discovered both Tolbert and Yarbrough in a parking lot, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. A third male victim was also found nearby with gunshot wounds. All three were transported by Birmingham Fire and Rescue personnel to UAB Hospital for treatment.
While at the hospital, officers learned of a fourth gunshot victim who had arrived by a private vehicle. Despite the efforts of medical staff, both Jalen Tolbert and Marquse Yarbrough were pronounced deceased. The other two victims sustained injuries that were not life-threatening. The preliminary investigation suggests that a verbal argument may have preceded the shooting. It is believed that multiple suspects then exited a vehicle and opened fire on the victims. Investigators reported that over thirty rounds were fired at the scene.
As of late 2023, the Birmingham Police Department has made no arrests in connection with the double homicide. The case remains an active and unsolved investigation. Authorities have appealed to the public for assistance, encouraging anyone with information to come forward to aid detectives in their search for the individuals responsible for the deaths of Jalen Tolbert and Marquse Yarbrough. Crime Stoppers has offered a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest.
