In a peaceful suburb of Birmingham, Alabama, 44-year-old Anthony Lamar Love Jr. of Alabaster, a dedicated UPS employee and father, was shot and killed just past 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, 2024.
Love Jr. was leaving his shift at the Inglenook UPS facility when the incident occurred, causing turmoil in the local community and reviving concerns about workplace safety. Authorities have, however, stated that the attack does not seem to be directly linked to his place of work.
Sgt. Laquitta Wade from the Birmingham Police Department painted a picture of the aftermath: “Some employees are very shaken up about what has happened here. They are scared about what has happened here,” she said, emphasizing the impact of the tragedy not only on Love Jr.’s family but also on his coworkers and the larger community.
The Birmingham Police Department has stated that the shooting was a targeted attack. This information, while providing some context, does little to assuage the wider fears about sudden eruptions of violence. With the perpetrator still on the loose and no suspects apprehended, the police are calling for anyone with information to step forward to help bring justice to Love Jr.’s family.
Love Jr.’s death has left his coworkers and numerous family members, who arrived at the scene visibly upset and in search of answers, in mourning. The police, while diligent in their investigation, have been cautious to reassure the public that this seems to be an isolated incident, with no ongoing threat to the wider community. “It’s devastating for the city and his family. We want to assure the public that no one else is in danger with this being a targeted attack,” affirmed Sgt. Wade.
Those who encountered Love during his delivery rounds remember his kindness and consideration. “He was consistently warm and personable. Every time he entered, he’d greet everyone in the salon with a smile, always trying to go the extra mile,” said Cailyn Fikes, a hairstylist at The Nook. According to Fikes, Love made it a point to deliver packages inside, often to the back of the location, unlike other couriers who might leave them at the entrance.
Almost a decade ago, this same UPS facility was the setting for a horrific event where employees Brian Callans and Doug Hutcheson were murdered by Joe Tesney, a former employee. On September 23, 2014, Tesney wore his UPS uniform, entered the facility, and shot Callans and Hutcheson dead before taking his own life. Investigations revealed that Tesney’s actions were motivated, at least in part, by a grudge against Hutcheson, who had recommended Tesney’s dismissal following a misconduct investigation.
Bob Copus, President of Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama, is encouraging anyone with information about the incident to come forward. He stressed the importance of this for both the Love family and the wider Birmingham community. “It’s in everyone’s best interest to act. No one wishes to be part of a family grieving a violent death. By contacting Crime Stoppers, you play a part in preventing such tragedies,” Copus said. He assured that the identities of those providing tips to Crime Stoppers would remain confidential. Information can also be provided directly to the Birmingham Police Department.