Bessemer Police Seek Public’s Help in Homicide Investigation

BESSEMER, Ala. (BuzzReport) — The Bessemer Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in solving the homicide of Nicholas Ratliff, who was fatally shot on the evening of December 6, 2025.

According to police, officers were dispatched at approximately 7:00 p.m. to the 4300 block of 9th Avenue North after receiving a report of a person who had been shot. When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered a silver Toyota Camry with an adult Black male inside the vehicle suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was later identified as Nicholas Ratliff.

Investigators have not released additional details about possible suspects or the circumstances surrounding the shooting, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.

Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward. Tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Metro Alabama, where callers may remain anonymous. Police said information that leads to an arrest could result in a cash reward of up to $5,000.

Anyone with knowledge of the incident is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers to assist investigators as they work to bring justice to the victim and his family.