BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Detectives with the Birmingham Police Department are launching a homicide investigation following a violent incident over the weekend that claimed the life of a young woman. Authorities have confirmed that a 23-year-old woman Ayia Harris fatally shot in Birmingham was discovered deceased in the street late Saturday night.

The shooting occurred in the East Lake neighborhood, disrupting the quiet of the weekend. As of Sunday morning, no arrests have been announced, and investigators are working to piece together the final moments of the victim, identified currently only as “Ayia Harris.”

Breaking: 23-Year-Old Woman Ayia Harris Fatally Shot in Birmingham

The incident unfolded at approximately 9:45 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026. According to the Birmingham Police Department (BPD), 911 dispatchers received multiple alerts regarding “shots fired” in the 7000 block of Division Avenue.

Patrol officers from the East Precinct were dispatched to the scene immediately. Upon arrival, they discovered a harrowing scene. A female victim was lying unresponsive in the roadway, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.

Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service personnel arrived shortly after to render aid. Despite their best life-saving efforts, the injuries proved too severe. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

The police have identified the victim as a 23-year-old woman known as Ayia Harris. While her full legal name has not yet been released pending full family notification protocols, the news that a 23-year-old woman Ayia Harris fatally shot in Birmingham has already begun to circulate through the community.

Investigation on Division Avenue

The 7000 block of Division Avenue was taped off for several hours Saturday night and into early Sunday morning as the BPD Crime Scene Unit processed the area.

Investigative Focus:

• Shell Casings: Technicians were seen placing evidence markers on the street, searching for shell casings that could help identify the type of weapon used.

• Witnesses: Detectives canvassed the neighborhood, knocking on doors to see if residents heard the argument or saw a vehicle fleeing the scene around 9:45 p.m.

• Surveillance: Police are likely reviewing footage from nearby home security cameras (Ring, Nest) and business surveillance systems in the East Lake area to track potential suspects.

As of the latest update, police have not released a description of a suspect or a motive for the shooting. It remains unclear if this was a targeted attack or a random act of violence.

Birmingham’s Struggle with Gun Violence

This tragedy marks another homicide in Birmingham for the year 2026. The death of a young woman in her early 20s strikes a particular chord in the community.

“She had her whole life ahead of her,” is a sentiment often heard in these situations. For the residents of Division Avenue, the sight of flashing blue lights is a grim reminder of the city’s ongoing battle against gun violence.

The BPD has repeatedly urged the community to partner with law enforcement to solve these crimes. In cases where a 23-year-old woman Ayia Harris fatally shot in Birmingham is left dead in the street, information from the public is often the key to breaking the case.

Call to Action: Information Needed

The Birmingham Police Department states that the investigation is ongoing and active. They are pleading with anyone who was in the 7000 block of Division Avenue on Saturday night to come forward.

How You Can Help: If you have any information regarding this investigation, you are asked to contact the BPD Homicide Unit directly at 205-254-1764.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. Tips submitted through Crime Stoppers that lead to an arrest and indictment are eligible for a cash reward.

Summary of Key Facts:

• Victim: “Ayia Harris,” 23-year-old female.

• Location: 7000 Block of Division Avenue, Birmingham, AL.

• Time: Saturday, Jan 24, 2026, approx. 9:45 PM.

• Event: Fatal shooting; victim found in the street.

• Status: Homicide investigation ongoing; no suspects in custody.