A man was found shot dead in a Birmingham alley, the city’s second homicide in just several hours.

Shortly after 3 a.m. Thursday, West Precinct officers were dispatched to a report of a person down in the 700 block of 17th Street Ensley.

They arrived to find the unidentified victim unresponsive. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service pronounced him dead on the scene.

Officer De’Rell Freeman said details are limited but said a passerby made the discovery and called 911.

The homicide was discovered less than four hours after a shooting in East Lake Park left one man dead and another injured.

East Precinct officers were dispatched just after 11:30 p.m. Wednesday to the park in the 100 block of 84th Street North after the city’s gunfire detection system, Shot Spotter, alert them to about rounds fired.

The overnight homicides bring the city’s total for the year to 40.

Police announced two days ago Birmingham’s homicides were down 59 percent over the same time last year.

“We know things are going to happen from time to time. I don’t think any city has been able to stop all homicides so what we do is prepare,” said Birmingham Police Chief Michael Pickett. “When it does happen, we stand ready to do our investigation, try to figure out who did it and get them in custody as quickly as possible.”

Anyone with information in either slaying is asked to call 205-254-1764 or contact Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777