A late-night confrontation over an alleged debt turned deadly when Timothy Antonio Moorer, 30, allegedly shot and killed 31-year-old Literrance Leon Bratton near a food truck in Birmingham’s Ensley neighborhood.
The incident occurred shortly before midnight on Monday in the 2700 block of 30th Street Ensley, where witnesses reported seeing two men engaged in a heated argument. According to police reports, Bratton attempted to walk away from the confrontation when Moorer allegedly drew a weapon and fired multiple shots.
First responders rushed Bratton to UAB Hospital, where medical staff worked to save his life. Despite their efforts, he succumbed to his injuries during emergency surgery. The victim’s family has been notified, and they’re cooperating with law enforcement as the investigation continues.
Officers in the vicinity responded immediately to reports of gunfire, arriving at the scene within minutes. They received a detailed description of the suspect, who’d fled the location on a motorcycle. Moorer’s escape attempt was cut short when he lost control of his motorcycle several blocks from the shooting scene, leading to his apprehension by patrol officers.
The Birmingham Police Department’s Homicide Unit has taken charge of the investigation, collecting evidence from both the shooting location and the area where Moorer crashed his motorcycle. Investigators have interviewed multiple witnesses who were present near the food truck at the time of the shooting, helping to establish a timeline of events.
Following his arrest, Moorer was transported to Jefferson County Jail, where he’s being held without bond. The District Attorney’s office has filed intentional murder charges against him, citing witness statements and physical evidence collected at the scene. If convicted, Moorer could face life imprisonment under Alabama state law.
Detectives are continuing to piece together the exact circumstances that led to the fatal confrontation, including the nature and extent of the alleged debt that sparked the argument. They’re reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and analyzing forensic evidence collected from the crime scene.
This incident marks the city’s latest homicide in what’s been a concerning trend of violent crimes in the Ensley area. The Birmingham Police Department encourages anyone with additional information about the shooting to contact their Homicide Unit or Crime Stoppers, where they can remain anonymous while assisting the ongoing investigation.