Jamel Nathan Thomas, 29, of Birmingham, was shot dead in the early hours of November 8, 2022, after what police described as an apparent home invasion in west Birmingham. The first call came about 12:44 a.m. from the 5300 block of Avenue O reporting a break-in. Minutes later Thomas appeared wounded at a nearby Chevron on Bessemer Road and was taken to UAB Hospital, where he died soon after.

Investigators said the resident told police they shot an intruder who was believed to have been crawling through a window or otherwise forcing entry when the gunfire erupted. Thomas managed to leave the scene despite his wounds and reach the Chevron before collapsing.

No arrests were announced and no criminal charges were filed against the homeowner; Birmingham police said the resident cooperated and the file was sent to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office. Two days after the shooting, authorities said the district attorney’s office ruled the killing justifiable, and reporting shows no subsequent murder or manslaughter charge.

If anyone knew Jamel Nathan Thomas or has information about the events near Avenue O and Bessemer Road that night, please share what is known.