Frederick Demond Robertson Jr., 23, of Birmingham, Alabama, died on December 9, 2025. He was pronounced dead at the scene after Birmingham Police and Fire Rescue responded to reports of gunfire at the 1600 block of Fifth Avenue West in Bush Hills.
ShotSpotter detected about 20 rounds around 5:57 a.m., and investigators classified the incident as a targeted assault. A second victim, whose name has not been released, survived after undergoing surgery at UAB Hospital.
Robertson was a lifelong resident of Birmingham’s West End neighborhoods. His early years reflected the resilience of Jefferson County’s urban core. While details of his formal education remain private, peers recall him as a local high school graduate who pursued entry‑level roles to support his independence and daily responsibilities.
Professionally, Robertson worked part‑time in local warehousing. His reliability and easy rapport with coworkers provided stability in Birmingham’s blue‑collar economy. These positions reflected his practical mindset, allowing him to contribute to household needs while seeking personal growth in a community shaped by both opportunity and adversity.
Family was central to Robertson’s life. He was a devoted son and brother, living in a Bush Hills home filled with traditions of shared meals and weekend barbecues. Though unmarried and without children noted publicly, he embraced his role as a protective sibling, embodying values of loyalty and support passed down through generations.
His lifestyle blended youthful energy with grounded routines. He enjoyed early‑morning jogs along tree‑lined streets and evenings spent gaming with friends, moments that brought laughter and connection. As Birmingham mourns his loss, no arrests have been announced in the ongoing investigation. His memory endures as a call for healing in a neighborhood burdened by the toll of violence.