Brandon Cobb

A 21 yr old is found shot in front of an abandoned home
Brandon Charles Cobb, a 21-year-old White man, was beginning to build his life when it was violently taken from him in Birmingham, Alabama, in the fall of 2007. Known and loved by many, Brandon was survived by his parents, Laura and Gary Cobb, his two sisters, Megan and Leslie, and his grandparents. His family also included his cherished dog, Gator. Those who knew him remembered him fondly, and his sudden death created a lasting wound for his extensive network of family and friends who were left to mourn a future that would never be realized.

The night of Saturday, November 17, 2007, turned tragic in a quiet North Birmingham neighborhood. Officers from the Birmingham Police Department were dispatched to an abandoned house located on the 3900 block of 36th Avenue North. Upon their arrival, they discovered Brandon Cobb lying on the front porch. Paramedics were on the scene attempting to save his life, but his injuries were too severe. Brandon had been shot at least once in the chest and was pronounced dead on the porch where he was found.

The initial police investigation uncovered evidence suggesting the fatal encounter may have started inside the vacant home. Investigators recovered two spent shell casings from within the house, leading them to theorize that a confrontation began indoors and spilled out onto the porch where Brandon ultimately collapsed. The motive behind the shooting and the circumstances that led Brandon to that abandoned house remained unclear. With no immediate suspects or witnesses coming forward, the case presented a significant challenge for law enforcement, and for Brandon’s family, it marked the beginning of a long and painful search for justice.

As years passed with no arrests, the case grew cold. In an effort to breathe new life into the investigation, the Birmingham Police Department partnered with Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama to publicly appeal for information. In September 2012, then-Police Chief A.C. Roper made a direct plea to the community, hoping to reach someone who held the key to solving the crime. "A murderer is still on the streets, and we're calling on you for justice," Chief Roper stated. "Brandon Cobb was 21 years old when he was killed. It's time his killer pays for the crime. His family needs closure, and so does the community. We need to know what you know."

Chief Roper’s appeal aimed to reassure potential witnesses who might be hesitant to come forward out of fear. He stressed the complete anonymity of the Crime Stoppers program. "We understand people might be afraid to share what they know, but there should be no fear when you're talking to Crime Stoppers," he explained. "We'll keep you anonymous. In fact, Crime Stoppers cannot call you to testify in court." To further incentivize cooperation, a cash reward was offered for any tip that resulted in an arrest.

Despite these public efforts, Brandon Cobb's murder remains unsolved. His killer has never been identified or held accountable for the crime. The case stands as a painful, open wound for his family, who have been deprived of closure and answers for more than a decade. The community is left to wonder why a young man's life was ended so violently and who was responsible for the act.

As of the last public appeals in September 2015, the investigation was still active but lacked the critical information needed to move forward. The Birmingham Police Department and Brandon's loved ones continue to hope that someone will finally have the courage to share what they know. Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama urges anyone with information regarding the homicide of Brandon Cobb to contact them at (205) 254-7777. Tips can also be submitted anonymously online or by text message.