On the morning of Friday, June 21, 2024, 34-year-old Rufus Jermaine Brock was killed during an apparent attempted robbery at the Oak Tree Apartments in Birmingham’s Avondale neighborhood. Police say Brock and another man, both wearing black nylon masks, approached a person in the 4400 block of Fifth Avenue South around 11 a.m. and that at least 13 shots were fired during the confrontation.

The intended victim was armed and shot both masked men. Brock was found dead in the parking lot next to a work van, still wearing his mask. The second suspect was also shot and initially reported dead at the scene but was later revived at UAB Hospital; his identity has not been released and his condition has not been reported. The intended victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

The Birmingham Police Department is investigating and no arrests or charges have been announced. Anyone with information is asked to contact Birmingham homicide detectives or Crime Stoppers.