With heavy hearts and deep sorrow, we remember Carlton Octavius Duncan, a young man whose life was tragically cut short in Birmingham. Carlton was only 20 years old, with his whole future still ahead of him. His sudden and violent passing has left his family, friends, and community reeling with shock, grief, and unanswered questions.
Birmingham police were initially called to what appeared to be a traffic crash in the 1400 block of 29th Street in Ensley just before 1:30 p.m. Tuesday. West Precinct officers arrived to find an overturned vehicle with Carlton deceased inside. A second vehicle was nearby and unoccupied. At first, the incident was treated as a traffic fatality, and Carlton was pronounced dead at the scene at 1:39 p.m.
Later that afternoon, just before 4:30 p.m., the course of the investigation changed. The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office notified police that Carlton had been shot, and the case was reclassified as a homicide. The investigation remains in its early stages, and no arrests have been made at this time.
The news has shaken the city deeply. Carlton’s death became Birmingham’s fourth homicide of the year, occurring just before Police Chief Michael Pickett held a news conference highlighting a significant reduction in homicides across the city. Across Jefferson County, there have been eight homicides so far this year. Even amid statistics and reports, Carlton’s life is not a number—he was a real person, deeply loved, and his loss is profoundly personal.
Carlton Octavius Duncan was more than the circumstances of his death. He was a son, a friend, and a young man whose presence mattered. Those who knew him remember his life, his personality, and the connections he shared with others. His absence leaves a painful void that cannot be filled.
As investigators work to uncover the truth and bring justice, the community is asked to help. Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
As we mourn this heartbreaking loss, our thoughts remain with Carlton’s loved ones as they navigate unimaginable grief. May Carlton Octavius Duncan be remembered for who he was, not for the tragedy that ended his life. He will not be forgotten.