Montgomery Police Investigate Dexter Avenue Homicide Amid Rising Concerns Over Downtown Safety

MONTGOMERY, AL. - In the early hours of Saturday, October 11, 2025, a grim discovery on Dexter Avenue sent shockwaves through downtown Montgomery. Just before 5 a.m., first responders arrived at the 100 block of Dexter Avenue-mere steps from the historic Court Square Fountain-to find an unresponsive man lying on the pavement. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and Montgomery Police quickly launched a homicide investigation.

The victim's identity has not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin. However, police have confirmed that the death is being treated as a homicide, marking Montgomery's 53rd of the year.

A Swift Arrest

Within 24 hours of the discovery, Montgomery Police arrested 51-year-old Barry Andre Freeman in connection with the killing. Freeman was taken into custody on Sunday, October 12, and charged with capital murder. He was booked into the Montgomery County Detention Facility, where he remains held without bond.

Authorities have not disclosed the motive behind the killing or the relationship between Freeman and the victim. Details surrounding the circumstances of the death remain scarce, fueling speculation and concern among residents and business owners in the downtown area.

A Historic Street, A Modern Tragedy

Dexter Avenue is one of Montgomery's most iconic thoroughfares, steeped in civil rights history and lined with government buildings, churches, and small businesses. The street stretches from the Alabama State Capitol to the Court Square Fountain, where enslaved people were once sold and where Rosa Parks began her historic bus protest.

The juxtaposition of this legacy with a modern-day homicide has left many residents shaken. "This is supposed to be the heart of our city," said one local business owner who asked to remain anonymous. "To wake up and hear that someone was murdered right outside our doors-it's terrifying."

Community Reaction and Safety Concerns

The murder has reignited conversations about public safety in Montgomery's downtown corridor. While the area has seen revitalization efforts in recent years-including new restaurants, cultural events, and tourism initiatives-crime remains a persistent concern.

"This is a tragedy, and it's a wake-up call," said Councilman Clay McInnis, whose district includes parts of downtown. "We need to ensure that our streets are safe-not just during the day, but at all hours."

Residents have called for increased police presence, better lighting, and expanded surveillance in high-traffic areas. Some have also urged city leaders to invest in mental health and homelessness services, noting that downtown incidents often involve vulnerable populations.

The Investigation Continues

Montgomery Police have remained tight-lipped about the ongoing investigation. Lt. Tina McGriff, spokesperson for the department, confirmed that detectives are actively pursuing leads and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses.

"We're doing everything we can to piece together what happened," McGriff said. "We ask anyone who may have seen or heard something to come forward. Even the smallest detail could help."

The department has not indicated whether additional suspects are being sought or if Freeman acted alone. Forensic teams were seen canvassing the area throughout the weekend, collecting evidence and interviewing potential witnesses.

A Broader Pattern?

The homicide on Dexter Avenue is part of a troubling trend in Montgomery, which has seen a rise in violent crime over the past year. According to city data, homicides are up nearly 15% compared to the same period in 2024. While police have attributed some of the increase to domestic disputes and gang-related activity, random acts of violence have also surged.

Community leaders are urging a multi-pronged approach to crime prevention, combining law enforcement with education, outreach, and economic development.

"We can't arrest our way out of this," said Rev. Kenneth Williams of the Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church. "We need to build a culture of accountability and compassion. That starts with investing in our youth and supporting families."

Looking Ahead

As the investigation into the Dexter Avenue murder unfolds, Montgomery residents are left grappling with grief, fear, and a renewed call for action. The city's historic downtown, once a beacon of progress and resilience, now finds itself at the center of a painful reckoning.

For the victim's family, answers remain elusive. For the community, the hope is that justice will be swift-and that meaningful change will follow.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Montgomery Police Department or CrimeStoppers at 334-215-STOP.