Birmingham police have confirmed that 20‑year‑old Carlton Duncan was fatally shot on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, in the Ensley community. Officers initially responded to a reported crash in the 1400 block of 29th Street, but later learned Duncan had been shot before his vehicle overturned. The case is being investigated as a homicide.
The incident unfolded just before 1:30 p.m. when West Precinct officers were dispatched to the 1400 block of 29th Street Ensley after receiving a call about a wreck. At the scene, they found two vehicles: one parked and empty, and another overturned with a man trapped inside. Birmingham Fire and Rescue worked to reach the victim, but he was pronounced dead shortly afterward.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office later identified the victim as Carlton Duncan, a 20‑year‑old Birmingham resident. Investigators determined that Duncan had sustained gunshot wounds prior to the crash, shifting the case from a traffic incident to a homicide investigation. The overturned vehicle suggested Duncan may have lost control after being shot, leading to the wreck.
Detectives are now working to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the shooting. Witnesses in the area reported hearing gunfire around the time of the crash, though police have not released details about possible suspects or motives. No arrests have been made, and authorities continue to canvass the neighborhood for surveillance footage and additional witness statements.
The Ensley community, located in western Birmingham, has seen sporadic incidents of gun violence in recent years, and residents expressed concern about the brazen nature of the shooting in broad daylight. The 1400 block of 29th Street is a residential corridor, and the presence of overturned vehicles and police activity drew significant attention from neighbors. The incident has reignited conversations about public safety in the area.
As the investigation continues, Birmingham police are urging anyone with information to contact the department’s homicide unit or Crime Stoppers at 205‑254‑7777. For Duncan’s family, the tragedy has brought immense grief and unanswered questions. The case underscores the unpredictable nature of violence and the importance of community cooperation in helping authorities bring closure to those affected.