Birmingham murder suspect nabbed in stolen food truck in Chilton County formally charged

Formal charges have been filed against the suspect in a deadly shooting during a barbecue at his family’s home earlier this week.

James Burdette, 30, is charged with murder in the slaying of 56-year-old Willie Carr.

The deadly shooting happened about 7:45 p.m. Wednesday at Burdette’s home in the 1100 block of Cotton Avenue S.W.

Police said Carr was attending the barbecue when Burdette got angry at him, pulled a gun, and fired shots.

Carr was pronounced dead on the scene at 8:05 p.m.

Burdette fled his home.

The two were not related. The nature of the dispute has not yet been made public.

Authorities said Burdette stole a nearby food truck and left Jefferson County.

He was taken into custody early Thursday morning when the food truck either broke down or ran out gas. Chilton County sheriff’s deputies helped make the arrest.

Burdette was brought back to Jefferson County and remained in the Birmingham City Jail overnight.

Once warrants were obtained against him Friday, he was booked into the Jefferson County Jail about 4:30 p.m. He is being held without bond.