Black Suspect Behind Bars for Blunt Force Trauma Death of White Man

Rory Antinio Brownlee

It’s ill-advised to get into a fight with a fully developed gorilla.

These lowland beasts have some tremendous upper body strength.

Al:

A suspect is behind bars in the blunt force trauma death of a man in Birmingham last month.

Rory Antinio Brownlee, 53, is charged with reckless manslaughter in slaying of 46-year-old Bryan Edward Hooper.

On Saturday, Feb. 29, North Precinct officers were dispatched to a fight call at Second Avenue North and 13th Street. Officers arrived on the scene to find Hooper unresponsive on the ground.

Hooper was taken to UAB Hospital’s Trauma Center where he remained until his death almost a week later. The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office said he died from blunt force trauma.

According to court records, Brownlee “recklessly caused the death of Hooper by hitting him in the head.” Authorities have not announced any additional details in Hooper’s death.

Brownlee, also charged with drug possession, is being held in the Jefferson County Jail on bonds totaling $185,000. He has a court date set for April 20.

Bryan Edward Hooper