Derek Marcus Burpo Obituary and Death: 51-Year-Old Pizza Delivery Driver Fatally Shot in Robbery on Roebuck Drive, Birmingham Marks First Homicide of 2025 Birmingham, AL – A tragic and senseless act of violence unfolded on Wednesday night, leaving the Birmingham community in shock and mourning the loss of a beloved family member

Derek Marcus Burpo Obituary and Death: 51-Year-Old Pizza Delivery Driver Fatally Shot in Robbery on Roebuck Drive, Birmingham Marks First Homicide of 2025

Birmingham, AL – A tragic and senseless act of violence unfolded on Wednesday night, leaving the Birmingham community in shock and mourning the loss of a beloved family member. Derek Marcus Burpo, a 51-year-old pizza delivery driver, was fatally shot during what authorities believe to be a robbery in East Birmingham. This marks the city’s first homicide of 2025 and has raised deep concerns over the continuing violence in the area.

The incident occurred around 9:45 p.m. in the 400 block of Roebuck Drive, a quiet residential neighborhood in Birmingham. Burpo, a Birmingham resident, had been making a routine pizza delivery when he was targeted by an unknown assailant. Authorities responded swiftly to the scene after receiving a call reporting gunshots in the area. Upon arrival, officers discovered Burpo lying on the ground near his vehicle, which was still laden with pizzas he had been delivering.

Despite the best efforts of emergency responders, Burpo was pronounced dead at the scene. He had suffered multiple gunshot wounds, and the circumstances of his death suggest that it may have been part of a botched robbery. The police believe that Burpo’s death was not a random act but rather a targeted attack during a routine delivery.

Officer Truman Fitzgerald of the Birmingham Police Department, who arrived at the scene shortly after the shooting, expressed his heartbreak and concern over the incident. “It’s horrible that Mr. Burpo was killed so violently while out trying to make an honest living,” Fitzgerald said in a statement. “This is one of the most heartbreaking homicides we have witnessed. They robbed a family of their loved one.”

Burpo’s family, friends, and co-workers have been left devastated by his untimely death. Family members described him as a hardworking, kind-hearted man who had been delivering pizzas for several years to support his family. His tragic death has left a deep void in the hearts of all who knew him.

In the aftermath of the shooting, detectives from the Birmingham Police Department began an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding Burpo’s death. Police have not yet identified any suspects, but they are looking into whether the robbery was premeditated or a crime of opportunity. The investigation has included interviews with residents of the home near where the shooting took place, as well as interviews with neighbors in the surrounding area. Authorities are also reviewing surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses that might provide further clues.

Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots, but no one has come forward with any definitive information regarding the shooter’s identity. As of now, the investigation is ongoing, and police are urging the community to assist with any information that might lead to the identification of the individual or individuals responsible for Burpo’s death.

“We need the community’s help to bring justice to Mr. Burpo’s family,” Officer Fitzgerald implored. “This is a senseless act, and it is our responsibility to work together to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”

This tragic incident comes amid an ongoing surge in violence in Birmingham and Jefferson County, which has raised concerns about the safety of local residents. In 2024, the city of Birmingham recorded 151 homicides, surpassing a long-standing record set in 1933. The high number of violent crimes in recent years has put immense pressure on law enforcement and has left the community grappling with the fear that the violence is spiraling out of control.

Burpo’s death has also contributed to the troubling trend of violence in Jefferson County, which has already seen two additional fatal shootings in Graysville and Bessemer since the start of the new year. The local community is still reeling from the spike in violent crime in 2024, which left many residents feeling vulnerable and fearful for their safety.

Authorities in Birmingham are calling for more community cooperation in addressing the rising violence. Police Chief Robert Robinson issued a statement following Burpo’s death, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between law enforcement and the community in solving violent crimes. “We cannot fight this epidemic of violence alone. It is going to take every member of our community to step forward, speak out, and help us bring justice to victims and their families,” Robinson stated. “We are committed to ensuring that Birmingham remains a safe place for its residents, but we need the community’s full support to do so.”

The Birmingham Police Department has also launched a public appeal for any information that could help solve this case. Detectives are urging anyone with knowledge of the shooting to contact the Birmingham homicide division at 205-254-1764. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. The department has assured the public that any tips provided will be kept confidential.

As the investigation continues, many in the Birmingham community are left grappling with the senseless loss of a man who was simply trying to make a living. Burpo’s family has expressed deep sorrow and heartbreak over the tragic incident, and they are asking for privacy during this difficult time.

In a statement released through their attorney, Burpo’s family described him as a devoted father and a hardworking individual who had always put his family first. “Derek was a kind and loving man, a father who was dedicated to providing for his family. His death has left a huge hole in our hearts, and we are struggling to make sense of this senseless tragedy. We are asking for justice and peace during this difficult time.”

The loss of Derek Marcus Burpo has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving many questioning how such violence can be prevented in the future. Birmingham residents are hoping that justice will be served in this case and that those responsible for the shooting will be brought to trial.

As police continue to search for answers, the Birmingham community is reminded of the importance of vigilance and cooperation in addressing the rise in violent crime. Burpo’s tragic death underscores the harsh reality that even everyday acts, like delivering a pizza, can become dangerous in an environment where violence is rampant. Authorities continue to emphasize the role that residents play in helping law enforcement solve crimes and prevent further tragedies like this one from occurring.

In the coming weeks, Birmingham will continue to grapple with the aftermath of this loss, and the police will no doubt redouble their efforts to ensure that justice is served. Meanwhile, the community is mourning the death of one of its own, and a family is left to cope with the devastating loss of a loved one.