UPDATE: Birmingham Investigate Murder of Teen

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.—- Birmingham homicide detectives are probing the murder of 17-year-old Lawanda Russell last night.

Jefferson County Deputy Coroner Pat Curry confirms Russell was pronounced dead Monday night at 9:53 p.m.

Her body was found in the 700 block of 17th Place SW.

Police said Russell was caught in the crossfire in a street shootout.

Relatives claimed she was walking back from a neighborhood convenience store when the shots rang out.

23, 22, and 21 year old suspects were arrested following a short car chase.

One of the suspects had suffered his own gunshot wounds.

Russell had just attended her first day at Wenonah High School as a Junior after West End High closed last year following her Sophomore year there.

Russell’s death is Birmingham’s 52nd murder of 2008 compared to 49 at this time in 2007.

Police are still looking for two men involved in the shootout.

If there is anyone who has information pertaining to the case, they are encouraged to contact the B.P.D. Homicide Unit @ 254-1764 or Crime Stoppers @ 254-7777.

We will continue to bring you updates on this story and more on NBC 13 HD and nbc13.com.