Tyrell Birmingham charged with murder in Austin shooting death of Damion Bryant

Michael Lansu — Sat, 23 Aug 2014 13:00:31 -0500

Tyrell Birmingham / Photo from Cook County Sheriff's office

BY MICHAEL LANSU
Homicide Watch Chicago Editor

Tyrell Birmingham was denied bond Saturday for allegedly opening fire on a group of people gathered on an Austin neighborhood porch -- killing Damion Bryant last month on the West Side.

Bryant was socializing on a front porch of a home in the 5200 block of West Quincy Street when Birmingham drove past and opened fire on the group about 8 p.m. July 11, authorities said.

Birmingham's brother had an ongoing drug-related dispute with a 37-year-old man on the porch, prosecutors said.

Birmingham, 27, was the only person in the vehicle, which he drove slowly down the street then opened fire out the window with a semi-automatic handgun, prosecutors said.

Bryant, 32, who lived on the block, was struck in the head and died at the scene, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office.

Rev. Joe Davis described Bryant as a family man with several children who had a close relationship with his mother and sisters. He also owned several stores in the neighborhood and would help young people find work, Davis said.

"Everybody looked up to him," Bryant's friend, Deangelo Henderson, said. "All the young guys including myself looked up to him."

The 37-year-old man, a 41-year-old man and a 30-year-old old woman were also wounded, authorities said. A 37-year-old man was also hospitalized with a broken foot, police said.

After the shooting, Birmingham attempted to drive away but was blocked by a vehicle in front of him, prosecutors said. Birmingham allegedly struck that vehicle multiple times to make good on his escape.

Multiple people identified Birmingham as the shooter and he was Aug. 21. On Saturday, Judge Laura Sullivan ordered him held without bond.

Birmingham will be back in court Sept. 11.

Tyrell Birmingham | Homicide Watch Chicago

Tyrell Birmingham charged with murder in Austin shooting death of Damion Bryant