1 year ago
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On the one-year anniversary of David Westbrook's murder, Birmingham Police are asking for the public's help in finding the person responsible for shooting and killing the longtime UAB researcher. "He just made you feel like you could be yourself," friend and colleague Melissa Sammy says.Sammy knew David Westbrook for more than a decade before he was shot and killed on the night of May 23rd, 2022."Like, even if you didn't have a lot in common with David, you just couldn't help but like him because he was just himself and you could feel that authenticity always," Sammy adds. Westbrook had just finished walking his dog at a soccer field in Birmingham's Woodlawn community when he was shot while backing out of the parking lot to leave. "You know, everyone just wants to feel safe," Sammy explains. "They don't want to wake up like we did in the morning and get a message and saying your friend is dead. And like you're thinking, that can't be true."Birmingham Police acknowledged Westbrook's murder one year ago in a social media post on Tuesday, urging people to come forward with information."An unknown suspect approached him on foot and began firing shots at him," Officer Truman Fitzgerald says. "We would like the public to know that Crimestoppers is offering upwards of a $20,000 reward for tips leading to an arrest in this case."Those who knew and worked with Westbrook say it's been difficult trying to move forward, not knowing what happened the night he lost his life."David was the first close friend I've lost in my life," friend and colleague Kylie Heitman says. "At the time of his death, I was 27-years-old and I don't feel like I should have to lose a close friend until I'm at least like 40 or 50."All friends can do now is to try and live their lives like they say David would want them to."Nothing is promised," Sammy points out. "You just have now." "So, talking about David with other people and to his friends is therapeutic and has helped me move forward," Heitman adds. Birmingham Police want to stress if you have information that can help make an arrest, you can remain anonymous. The number to call is 205-254-7777.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. —
On the one-year anniversary of David Westbrook's murder, Birmingham Police are asking for the public's help in finding the person responsible for shooting and killing the longtime UAB researcher.
"He just made you feel like you could be yourself," friend and colleague Melissa Sammy says.
Sammy knew David Westbrook for more than a decade before he was shot and killed on the night of May 23rd, 2022.
"Like, even if you didn't have a lot in common with David, you just couldn't help but like him because he was just himself and you could feel that authenticity always," Sammy adds.
Westbrook had just finished walking his dog at a soccer field in Birmingham's Woodlawn community when he was shot while backing out of the parking lot to leave.
"You know, everyone just wants to feel safe," Sammy explains. "They don't want to wake up like we did in the morning and get a message and saying your friend is dead. And like you're thinking, that can't be true."
Birmingham Police acknowledged Westbrook's murder one year ago in a social media post on Tuesday, urging people to come forward with information.
"An unknown suspect approached him on foot and began firing shots at him," Officer Truman Fitzgerald says. "We would like the public to know that Crimestoppers is offering upwards of a $20,000 reward for tips leading to an arrest in this case."
Those who knew and worked with Westbrook say it's been difficult trying to move forward, not knowing what happened the night he lost his life.
"David was the first close friend I've lost in my life," friend and colleague Kylie Heitman says. "At the time of his death, I was 27-years-old and I don't feel like I should have to lose a close friend until I'm at least like 40 or 50."
All friends can do now is to try and live their lives like they say David would want them to.
"Nothing is promised," Sammy points out. "You just have now."
"So, talking about David with other people and to his friends is therapeutic and has helped me move forward," Heitman adds.
Birmingham Police want to stress if you have information that can help make an arrest, you can remain anonymous. The number to call is 205-254-7777.
English (US)