Birmingham, AL – An Alabama woman was fatally shot by her boyfriend in a tragic murder-suicide, after warning her sister that she was in danger just two days prior.
Fatal Shooting in Birmingham Home
LaVentrice Denise Tolbert, 40, was shot by her boyfriend, Tony Dewayne Davis, 35, before he turned the gun on himself just before midnight on September 24, 2025. When officers from the Birmingham Police Department arrived at the home on Kiser Road, Denise Tolbert was already dead.
Davis reportedly lingered in the home for two days before ultimately dying from his self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Residents Witness the Tragedy
Authorities reported that multiple people were inside the house during the incident, but no one else was injured. One resident recounted hearing the gunshot while in bed and discovering Davis downstairs holding a gun to his head. He allegedly told the resident that he “was not going back to jail” before taking his own life.
Sgt. LaQuitta Wade, Public Information Officer for the Birmingham Police Department, confirmed that Davis shot Denise Tolbert before turning the weapon on himself.
Abusive Relationship Revealed
According to Monique Tolbert, Denise’s sister, the couple’s seven-year relationship had been “abusive from the jump.” Monique shared a chilling conversation with her sister just two days before the killing.
“She told me, ‘When I leave, you will be the one to plan my funeral.’ She wanted me to be strong,” Monique Tolbert recalled.
Monique added a message to others in similar situations:
“I want to tell anyone else in this situation to seek help, talk to somebody, let them know what’s going on.”
Community Warning and Support
This tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of domestic abuse. Authorities urge anyone experiencing threats or abuse to seek immediate help and contact law enforcement or local support organizations.
If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, speak up and seek help immediately. Share your experiences in the comments below to raise awareness and support survivors.
