Derek Marcus Burpo, Elijah Mack Jr., Jason Neal Duke, and Ernest Paul Christion Jr. Obituary and Death: Four Men Killed in Separate Incidents During the New Year’s Eve to New Year’s Day Weekend in Jefferson County, AL, Marking a Troubling Start to 2025
Jefferson County, AL – A wave of violence has tragically marked the beginning of 2025 in Jefferson County, Alabama, with the deaths of four men over the course of a single weekend. Between New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, the region was rocked by a series of violent incidents that have left the local community in mourning. The victims were from different neighborhoods and circumstances, but all were killed in separate incidents across Birmingham, Graysville, and Bessemer.
Authorities have identified the victims as:
- Derek Marcus Burpo, 51, of Birmingham
- Elijah Mack Jr., 65, of Birmingham
- Jason Neal Duke, 40, of Graysville
- Ernest Paul Christion Jr., 68, of Birmingham
The tragic deaths of these four men reflect a grim and violent start to the year, raising deep concerns about the safety and well-being of residents in the region. These deaths are part of a disturbing trend of rising violence in Jefferson County, which has seen a dramatic increase in homicides over the past year.
The first of these killings occurred on the evening of January 1, when Derek Marcus Burpo, a 51-year-old Domino’s delivery driver, was fatally shot during what authorities believe to have been an attempted robbery. Burpo had been in the process of delivering pizzas in the 400 block of Roebuck Drive, a quiet neighborhood in east Birmingham, when he was targeted by an unknown assailant. At approximately 9 p.m., Birmingham police received reports of gunshots in the area, prompting them to rush to the scene.
Upon their arrival, officers discovered Burpo unresponsive outside his vehicle, which still contained the pizzas he was delivering. The vehicle was parked near a house on a private road. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service responded quickly but unfortunately pronounced Burpo dead on the scene at 9:42 p.m.
“This is one of the most heartbreaking homicides we have witnessed,” said Officer Truman Fitzgerald of the Birmingham Police Department. “A man out trying to make an honest living was killed so violently. They robbed a family of their loved one.” Fitzgerald’s statement reflects the deep sense of grief and frustration shared by many in the community, who are struggling to make sense of yet another senseless killing.
Detectives are working tirelessly to determine whether the shooting was premeditated or if it was a crime of opportunity. Early reports indicate that residents in the area heard multiple gunshots before the assailant fled the scene. However, no suspects have been identified at this time, and police are actively seeking any leads that could help solve the case.
The second of the four deaths occurred just hours later, on January 1, when Jason Neal Duke, a 40-year-old resident of Graysville, was found dead at the scene of a shooting in the 300 block of 1st Avenue SW in Graysville. Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the location around 1:21 a.m. and discovered Duke lying lifeless on the ground. Graysville Fire and Rescue pronounced him dead at 1:51 a.m.
Preliminary investigations suggest that Duke’s death resulted from a domestic dispute. Authorities are not releasing further details about the nature of the dispute at this time, but a 40-year-old male suspect was questioned by investigators. The suspect has since been released pending further review by the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office. The DA’s office will ultimately determine if charges will be filed in connection with the fatal shooting.
The third victim, Ernest Paul Christion Jr., a 68-year-old Birmingham resident, was found stabbed to death in the 2500 block of 15th Street Ensley on the evening of December 31. Birmingham’s West Precinct officers arrived at the scene just after 7 p.m. and found Christion unresponsive inside a residence. He was immediately transported by Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service to UAB Hospital, but he was pronounced dead at 7:50 p.m. Despite ongoing interviews with witnesses and neighbors, no arrests have been made, and the motive for the stabbing remains unclear.
Finally, Elijah Mack Jr., a 65-year-old man from Birmingham, was also a victim of violence during the same period. Authorities have not yet released detailed information regarding the circumstances of Mack’s death, and the investigation is still ongoing. It is unclear whether Mack’s death was related to a robbery, domestic violence, or another motive, but detectives are working to uncover the facts surrounding his tragic demise.
These four killings serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges facing Jefferson County, which has seen a troubling rise in violent crime over the past several years. Birmingham, in particular, has been grappling with a record number of homicides, with 151 killings recorded in 2024—the highest number in the city’s history. The tragic deaths of Burpo, Duke, Christion, and Mack come on the heels of this record-breaking year, further deepening concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement in tackling the root causes of violence.
As investigators work to piece together the circumstances of these deaths, local officials are urging the community to come forward with any information that may help solve these cases. The Birmingham Police Department has established a tip line for homicide investigations, and they are encouraging anyone with knowledge of the incidents to contact homicide detectives at 205-254-1764. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777.
The local community has also expressed outrage and sadness over the increasing violence. Many are calling for greater efforts to address the underlying issues that contribute to violent crime, such as poverty, lack of access to education, and the prevalence of firearms in the community. Community leaders are urging residents to engage with local law enforcement, support victims’ families, and work together to prevent future tragedies.
“It is heart-wrenching to see this type of violence in our community,” said Mayor Randall Woodfin of Birmingham. “As a city, we must stand together to ensure that those responsible for these heinous crimes are held accountable. We will continue to work with law enforcement to seek justice for the victims and bring peace to their families.”
The deaths of Burpo, Duke, Christion, and Mack highlight a disturbing and violent start to the new year in Jefferson County, and as investigations continue, the community remains on edge. As law enforcement seeks answers, the families of the victims are left to mourn their loved ones, struggling to make sense of the senseless loss.
The series of killings has also prompted calls for increased community policing, enhanced support for mental health services, and stronger programs aimed at violence prevention. These efforts are seen as crucial in addressing the root causes of violence and preventing further bloodshed in the future.
As the investigations into the deaths of Burpo, Duke, Christion, and Mack unfold, the city of Birmingham and the surrounding areas are left to grapple with the harsh reality that violence continues to plague the community. With the support of local residents, authorities hope to bring the perpetrators of these killings to justice and ultimately restore a sense of safety and security to the region. In the meantime, the grieving families of the victims are left to mourn the loss of their loved ones and seek solace in the hope that justice will prevail.
