Literrance Leon Bratton Fatally Shot in Birmingham’s Ensley Neighborhood: 31-Year-Old Victim Identified as Police Apprehend Suspect After Pursuit
Literrance Leon Bratton Fatally Shot in Birmingham’s Ensley Neighborhood: 31-Year-Old Victim Identified as Police Apprehend Suspect After Pursuit; Community Reels from Latest Tragedy Amid Ongoing Gun Violence Crisis
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Literrance Leon Bratton, a 31-year-old Birmingham resident, was fatally shot late Sunday night in the city’s Ensley neighborhood, an area with a deeply rooted history now marred by recurring incidents of gun violence. Bratton was found deceased at the scene shortly before midnight, sparking an intensive police response that culminated in the arrest of a suspect following a rapid pursuit. The shooting took place on the 2700 block of 30th Street, a part of Ensley long known for its historic significance but increasingly associated with rising crime rates and community instability.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office confirmed Bratton’s identity on Monday morning, noting that he died from gunshot wounds sustained during the incident. Authorities responded to a distress call at approximately 11:53 p.m. on Sunday, May 18, 2025. When officers from the Birmingham Police Department arrived at the scene, they discovered Bratton unresponsive and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel declared him dead on-site.
According to law enforcement officials, the suspect fled the scene in a vehicle immediately following the shooting. Witnesses described hearing a series of gunshots ring out in quick succession, followed by the screeching of tires as the suspect fled. Responding officers spotted a vehicle matching witness descriptions and initiated a pursuit that extended several miles through Birmingham’s west side. The suspect, whose name has not yet been publicly released pending formal charges, was eventually apprehended and taken into custody without further incident.
Police recovered a firearm believed to have been used in the shooting. Forensic teams are currently analyzing the weapon and other physical evidence collected from the crime scene, including shell casings, surveillance footage from nearby buildings, and cellphone data.
Detectives from the Birmingham Police Department’s Homicide Unit are leading the investigation, with support from forensic analysts, the Violent Crimes Unit, and community outreach liaisons.
Motives and Relationships Still Under Investigation
As of now, investigators have not publicly disclosed a motive or clarified the nature of the relationship—if any—between Literrance Leon Bratton and the suspect. It remains unclear whether the shooting was a result of a personal dispute, gang-related conflict, robbery attempt, or another form of confrontation.
“We are pursuing all leads and reviewing all available evidence, including witness statements and digital surveillance,” said Sgt. LaQuitta Wade of the Birmingham Police Department during a press conference Monday morning. “Our detectives are working tirelessly to determine exactly what transpired and to ensure that justice is served for Mr. Bratton and his family.”
The victim’s family has been notified, and they are reportedly cooperating with investigators. While they have requested privacy as they grieve, friends and relatives of Bratton have begun sharing tributes on social media, describing him as “a quiet, respectful man” and “someone who tried to stay out of trouble.”
Community Reaction and Ongoing Concerns Over Gun Violence
The fatal shooting has once again stirred deep concern among residents of the Ensley neighborhood and the broader Birmingham community. In recent years, Ensley has been the site of numerous violent incidents, prompting repeated calls for increased policing, community investment, youth outreach programs, and comprehensive gun control measures.
“This cannot keep happening,” said Reverend Marcus T. Clay of the Greater Ensley Community Church during a Monday vigil held near the scene. “We are losing our sons, brothers, and fathers to this plague of gun violence. Literrance didn’t deserve to die in the street like that.”
Community organizers echoed these sentiments, demanding greater accountability from both city officials and residents alike. “We need resources, not just responses,” said Tamika Giles, director of the Ensley Renewal Project, a grassroots initiative aimed at reducing violence through economic development and youth engagement. “We can’t just wait for another shooting before action is taken. We need systemic change.”
Local leaders, including Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, expressed condolences to the Bratton family and pledged ongoing support for anti-violence efforts.
“My heart breaks for the family of Literrance Leon Bratton,” Woodfin wrote on social media. “We cannot allow gun violence to continue taking lives and tearing apart communities. Our administration remains committed to investing in violence reduction, youth outreach, and rebuilding our neighborhoods from the ground up.”
Law Enforcement Initiatives and Public Safety Strategy
The Birmingham Police Department has implemented several programs in recent years aimed at curbing gun violence, including the Operation Safe Neighborhoods initiative, which involves increased patrols in high-crime areas, community partnerships, and the use of data-driven policing. Despite these efforts, crime statistics continue to reflect a troubling trend, with homicides and shootings remaining persistently high, particularly in neighborhoods like Ensley, Gate City, and West End.
In the wake of Bratton’s death, law enforcement officials have reiterated the need for public cooperation in solving crimes and preventing future violence.
“We rely on the community to help us prevent tragedies like this one,” said Chief Scott Thurmond of the Birmingham Police Department. “If you saw something, if you heard something, we urge you to come forward. You can remain anonymous. You can help us bring peace to the families affected.”
Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama is offering a cash reward for information leading to a conviction in the case. Tips can be submitted anonymously by phone or online.
Victim’s Life and Legacy
While details about Bratton’s life remain limited, early accounts from family and neighbors paint a picture of a man who had faced adversity but was striving for better. Born and raised in Birmingham, Bratton reportedly worked in local construction and was known to help out elderly neighbors with home repairs.
“He didn’t have much, but he had a good heart,” said a family friend who asked not to be named. “He had some troubles in the past like many young men from here, but he was trying to get his life together. He didn’t deserve to be taken like this.”
Call to Action: A Community in Mourning, a City at a Crossroads
The death of Literrance Leon Bratton serves as yet another grim reminder of the lethal consequences of unchecked gun violence and the urgent need for multidimensional solutions that address not just criminal behavior, but the underlying socioeconomic factors that foster it—poverty, lack of opportunity, educational inequality, and systemic neglect.
As Birmingham grapples with how to protect its most vulnerable residents, city leaders, law enforcement, and community members face a pivotal moment: to continue down a path of reactionary measures, or to unite in a bold and comprehensive effort to change the narrative for neighborhoods like Ensley.
Funeral arrangements for Bratton are currently being organized by his family, who have asked for prayers, peace, and privacy during this time of immense sorrow.