The Birmingham, Alabama, community is mourning the tragic loss of Carlton Octavius Duncan, 20, who was found dead Tuesday afternoon in the Ensley neighborhood following what was initially believed to be a traffic crash.
Birmingham Police West Precinct officers responded just before 1:30 p.m. to a reported two-vehicle wreck in the 1400 block of 29th Street. When officers arrived, they discovered an overturned vehicle with Duncan deceased inside. A second vehicle involved in the crash was located nearby and was unoccupied.
Duncan was pronounced dead at the scene at 1:39 p.m. The incident was first investigated as a traffic fatality. However, just before 4:30 p.m., the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office notified police that Duncan had suffered a gunshot wound, leading authorities to reclassify the case as a homicide.
The investigation remains in its early stages, and no arrests have been made. Duncan’s death marks Birmingham’s fourth homicide of the year and one of eight homicides reported across Jefferson County.
Carlton Octavius Duncan’s passing has left family, friends, and loved ones grieving a young life taken far too soon. He is remembered for his life, not the circumstances of his death, and his absence leaves a deep void in the hearts of those who knew him.
The family asks for prayers, strength, and privacy during this difficult time. Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact Birmingham Police detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
May Carlton Octavius Duncan rest in peace, and may his memory forever live on in Birmingham.
