Derrick Mason, a 37-year-old Black man from Birmingham, was shot and killed on April 1, 2018, in the Gate City area after an argument at a residence on 64th Court Way South. Responding officers found Mason on the ground at 7533 64th Court Way South with multiple gunshot wounds; Birmingham Fire and Rescue pronounced him dead at the scene. Initial police updates described the death as a homicide and said no suspect was in custody while detectives processed the scene.

Police later announced an arrest. On April 25, 2018, Birmingham police identified and arrested 21-year-old Denzel Hankins of Birmingham in connection with the shooting, saying the argument during a visit to the residence escalated and Hankins allegedly shot Mason. Hankins was booked into the Jefferson County Jail with reported bond set at $175,000. Funeral arrangements listed visitation on April 13 and service on April 14, 2018, with burial at Oakland Memorial Gardens. If anyone knew Mason or saw activity around 64th Court Way South on April 1, what can be shared with investigators?