
A convicted felon’s attempt to mislead authorities after fatally shooting his girlfriend, Bria McNeal-Williams, has unraveled, leading to murder charges. Jeffrey Rogers, who was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a prior felony conviction, initially claimed he shot a burglar. However, police investigations in Birmingham, Alabama, quickly revealed the incident was domestic, underscoring the ongoing and dangerous threat of illegal gun possession and domestic violence.
Story Highlights
- Jeffrey Rogers, a convicted felon, claims self-defense after fatally shooting his girlfriend, Bria McNeal-Williams.
- Police investigation reveals the incident was domestic, not a burglary as initially reported by Rogers.
- Rogers is charged with murder and illegal firearm possession.
- The case underscores the dangers of illegal gun access by felons and domestic violence.
Convicted Felon Attempts to Mislead Authorities
On November 13, 2025, in Birmingham, Alabama, Jeffrey Rogers, a 25-year-old convicted felon, called 911 claiming he shot a burglar attempting to break into his home. However, police investigations quickly revealed that Rogers’ girlfriend, Bria McNeal-Williams, was the victim of the shooting. The 20-year-old woman was found unresponsive near the back door and pronounced dead shortly after the police arrived. Rogers’ attempt to mislead authorities by framing the incident as a self-defense act against an intruder has unraveled, leading to serious charges.
🚨ARREST🚨
The Birmingham Police Department reports that 25-year-old Jeffrey Rogers of Birmingham, Alabama has been arrested for Murder and Certain Persons Forbidden to Possess a Firearm for the fatal shooting of Bria McNeal-Williams.
— Bhampolice (@BhamPolice) November 15, 2025
Gun Access and Domestic Violence: A Dangerous Combination
This case brings to light the persistent issue of illegal gun access by convicted felons in the United States. Despite federal laws barring felons from possessing firearms, enforcement gaps allow for such dangerous scenarios to unfold. Rogers’ prior felony conviction prohibited him from owning a firearm, yet he managed to possess one, resulting in a tragic outcome. The shooting, taking place in a residential neighborhood during daylight, further emphasizes the need for stringent enforcement of firearm laws to prevent domestic violence incidents.
McNeal-Williams’ death has sparked discussions around the role of technology in law enforcement. The Birmingham Police Department’s use of Shot Spotter, a gunfire detection system, played a pivotal role in corroborating the incident. This technological advancement in urban police work aids in verifying gunfire reports, ensuring accurate and swift responses to such critical situations.
Community Impact and Future Implications
The repercussions of this incident extend beyond the immediate tragedy. The victim’s family and the Pratt City community are left grappling with the loss, while broader societal concerns about domestic violence and gun control resurface. The economic costs associated with investigation, prosecution, and potential incarceration add to the burden on the justice system. This case serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for comprehensive strategies to prevent illegal firearm access and support domestic violence prevention efforts.
As the legal proceedings against Rogers continue, the focus remains on ensuring justice for McNeal-Williams and addressing the systemic issues that allowed this tragedy to occur. The Birmingham Police Department, alongside community advocates, will likely push for policy discussions aimed at closing enforcement gaps and enhancing protective measures for victims of domestic violence.
Watch the report: Police search for man who shot up woman’s apartment door in Cypress Hills | News 12
Sources:
Birmingham man charged with murder after burglary report not substantiated
Woman killed in doorway of Birmingham home was not a burglar, police said; boyfriend charged – al.com
Man charged in Forrest City fatal shooting
Convicted Felon Fatally Shoots Girlfriend in Doorway, Tells Police He Shot a Burglar – Crime Online




















