Willie Rasean Raby Obituary, Death – Authorities in Birmingham have launched an inquiry following a fatal shooting that took place in the northern part of the city. The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office has confirmed the identity of the man who lost his life in the incident as 32-year-old Willie Rasean Raby, a Birmingham resident. His death marks yet another tragedy in a year that has already seen a concerning number of violent incidents.
The shooting occurred on Wednesday evening at approximately 6:46 p.m. in the 2300 block of 33rd Avenue North, a community where residents have long expressed concern about increasing violence. When first responders arrived, they found Raby suffering from serious injuries. Emergency personnel quickly transported him to UAB Hospital in hopes of saving his life. Despite the efforts of medical staff, Raby succumbed to his injuries and was officially pronounced dead at 10:25 p.m.
Law enforcement officials have not released further details about the events leading up to the shooting or any information about potential suspects. Police say the investigation remains active, and they are continuing to gather evidence and interview anyone who may have seen or heard something connected to the incident. As of now, the circumstances around the shooting remain unclear, and detectives are urging community members to come forward with information that could help move the case forward.
Raby’s death adds to Birmingham’s growing homicide count for the year. He becomes the city’s 75th homicide victim in 2025, a figure that community leaders and law enforcement say highlights the ongoing challenges Birmingham faces with violent crime. To put the situation into perspective, Birmingham ended the previous year, 2024, with 151 killings—its highest number of homicides since 1933. The increase in deadly violence has been a significant concern for residents, prompting calls for renewed efforts to curb crime and strengthen outreach programs aimed at addressing underlying issues.
Jefferson County as a whole has also been dealing with elevated levels of deadly violence. According to countywide statistics, Raby’s death is among 107 homicides recorded so far in 2025, with Birmingham accounting for the majority of those cases. The concentration of these incidents in the city has drawn attention from local officials, community advocates, and law enforcement agencies working to find solutions that will help reduce the loss of life.
Investigators stress that public involvement is crucial for making progress in such cases. They encourage anyone who might have seen suspicious activity, heard gunfire, or has any relevant information—no matter how small it may seem—to contact the Birmingham Police Department’s detectives. Authorities have provided two phone numbers for tips: the first is the department’s detective line at 205-254-1764, and the second is the Crime Stoppers tip line at 205-254-7777, where callers may provide information anonymously.
As the inquiry continues, the community is left mourning yet another life cut short by violence. Friends and family of Raby are grieving his loss, while residents across Birmingham reflect on the persistent challenges surrounding public safety. City leaders have reiterated their desire to slow the rising homicide rate, noting that each incident represents not just a statistic but a person whose death leaves lasting pain in the community.
While investigators work to determine what led to the deadly encounter, law enforcement hopes that cooperation from residents will help bring answers. For now, many await further updates, hoping that renewed attention to the case will lead to justice for Willie Rasean Raby.
