Birmingham police have confirmed that a woman was shot and killed in what they are calling a domestic-related murder-suicide on September 24. The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as 40-year-old Denise Tolbert. Police were called to the 1100 block of Kiser Road shortly before midnight, at around 11:47 p.m., after receiving reports of gunfire inside a home.
When officers arrived, they found Tolbert dead inside the residence. They also discovered a man in a bedroom suffering from what authorities described as life-threatening injuries. He was later identified as 42-year-old Tony DeWayne Davis. Davis was transported to a local hospital, where he died three days later.
Investigators believe Davis shot Tolbert before turning the gun on himself. A preliminary investigation by Birmingham Police indicates the case is a domestic situation that ended in tragedy. “Based on the evidence at the scene, detectives believe this was a domestic-related incident,” police said in a statement. “It appears Davis shot Tolbert before shooting himself.”
Authorities confirmed that several people were inside the house when the shooting happened. Fortunately, no one else was injured. Officials have not disclosed the identities of those witnesses, but investigators are continuing to gather statements to piece together the moments leading up to the violence.
The incident adds to Birmingham’s ongoing struggles with gun violence and domestic-related crimes. Police say the case serves as a grim reminder of how quickly disputes can escalate into deadly encounters. They also encouraged residents facing domestic issues to reach out for help before situations turn violent.
Neighbors in the community expressed shock at the news, saying the home had always appeared quiet from the outside. One resident described the late-night response, noting a heavy police presence in the area as investigators worked well into the early hours of the morning.
The deaths of Tolbert and Davis remain under investigation, but authorities stressed there is no threat to the public. The case will be closed as a murder-suicide pending final confirmation from the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office. Anyone struggling with domestic violence is urged to contact local hotlines or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.