Mark Jhawntee Louis, 53, was fatally shot late on July 20, 2026, along Tuscaloosa Avenue Southwest in west Birmingham. Officers were dispatched at about 10:42 p.m. after ShotSpotter detected roughly 16 rounds; a caller later reported finding Louis lying unresponsive. Birmingham Fire and Rescue responded but Louis was pronounced dead at the scene at about 10:51 p.m. The Jefferson County Coroner identified him and Birmingham police classified the death as a homicide.

Initial public information did not explain what led to the shooting, whether there had been an argument, or whether Louis was specifically targeted. Investigators later identified 36-year-old Timothy James Bailey Jr. of Birmingham as a suspect; police arrested him without incident and charged him with murder and a separate firearm-related offense. Jefferson County Jail records dated July 24, 2026, list the murder charge and a second count described as discharging a firearm into an occupied school bus or school building. No motive, relationship between Louis and Bailey, or additional suspects has been disclosed.

If anyone knew Mark Louis, saw activity on Tuscaloosa Avenue Southwest that night, or has information about the shooting, please share what is known.