Family struggling to find closure after man shot, killed last year in Birmingham

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - Ryan Colby Johnson was shot and killed back on April 23, 2023 near a club on Third Avenue north.

Police believe there was a fight before the shooting between two groups of people and think Johnson was an unintended target. Officer Truman Fitzgerald said this case could be solved if one of those witnesses came forward.

“We know people were present, we know someone saw something,” said Officer Fitzgerald.

He also believes people withholding information makes healing that much harder for heartbroken families.

“When you have a family that has lost a loved one and there’s not been anyone taken into custody on that case, it is nearly impossible for them to begin that healing process because they don’t even have time to address the healing nature of losing a loved one because they’re still worried that this person who shot and killed my loved one is still out on the street,” said Officer Fitzgerald.

Unfortunately, Johnson’s story is far from unique. Officer Fitzgerald believes police are close in a number of different homicide investigations. Yet still, they need your help to close them and find justice.

“There are so many homicides that took place in 2023 where if we just had one tip from the community it would break the case. Detectives can tell you “person A”, shot “person B” in different homicide investigations. They are just waiting for a tip from the community so they can take that case to the District Attorney.”

In Johnson’s case, police believe he was an innocent bystander who was caught in the crossfire.

Anyone with information that will help detectives, please contact the Homicide Division directly at 205-254-1764 or remain anonymous by contacting Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. Crime Stoppers may award tipsters up to $5,000 in cash.

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