Birmingham Police investigating after two burning bodies discovered near airport

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - Birmingham Police are seeking assistance following the discovery of two burning bodies in a car Tuesday morning near the city’s Airport Highlands community. The identities of the victims have not yet been determined.

Officer Truman Fitzgerald says these deaths are unclassified until the medical examiner’s office can find out what happened.

As you approach the scene in the 1600 block of 90th Place North, you will notice several dumping sites. Police are currently investigating how the two bodies ended up there.

Fitzgerald explained that the Birmingham Fire Department received a call shortly before 8 a.m. about smoke in the area.

“The fire department arrived on the scene, extinguished the flames, and that is when they discovered two victims inside the burning vehicle,” he said.

At this time, police are unable to share more information pending identification from the medical examiner’s office. Fitzgerald noted that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and homicide detectives are also involved in the investigation.

Nearby neighbors shared what they heard.

“I heard a couple of booms and thought it was a transformer explosion. Then I thought maybe some type of power surge was going on,” said Clarence Fuller, a lifelong resident of the community. “Someone called me and mentioned smoke coming from my backyard. I went outside and saw something on fire, then went up the road and noticed the car was on fire.”

Both Fuller and Neighborhood President Chris Evans remarked that this is not the first time bodies have been found in this area.

“This is really a dumping ground,” said Evans. “It’s not safe to drive here because there is a lot of trash and debris.”

“There have been bodies found about four blocks away, another two blocks over, and yet another block in that direction. There’s one in Zion City, about eight blocks away. These are bodies that weren’t just thrown away,” Fuller added.

Birmingham Police urge anyone who has not heard from their loved ones in the last 24 to 48 hours to call 205-254-1764 or visit the Birmingham Police Headquarters.

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