Mass Shooting leaves Tragedy in Birmingham

 Upcoming Rapper PGE Rod Among Victims in Mass Shooting as Alabama's Gun Laws Come Under Scrutiny

Birmingham, AL -The vibrant music scene in Birmingham has suffered a devastating loss. Last night, upcoming rapper PGE Rod was killed in a mass shooting that claimed four lives and left 18 others injured in the 5 Points South district. The incident, which local authorities believe is rooted in escalating street beefs, has raised new concerns about Alabama's permissive gun laws, particularly the controversial "constitutional carry" law signed by Governor Kay Ivey in March 2022.

PGE Rod, whose real name was not immediately released, had recently dropped a new single, "Spin It," produced by Breaking Bread Records’ Super Producer and Rapper Yung Major. Just as his music was gaining momentum, with a new music video shot by KenXL out on YouTube, this tragic event cut his career short. Yung Major, a key figure in PGE Rod’s rise, has yet to comment on the loss of his friend and collaborator.

Mayor Woodfin’s Struggle Against Gun Violence

Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin has been vocal about the public safety issues surrounding gun violence, especially in light of mass shootings that have become alarmingly frequent. Mayor Woodfin, in a recent statement, emphasized the increasing danger posed by "Glock switches" – devices that turn semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic weapons. While these devices are illegal under federal law, there is no state law in Alabama outlawing them, a gap that the mayor has been urging legislators to address.

“We need State Legislators’ help. Ban Glock switches,” Woodfin wrote on social media. His plea underscores the urgency of addressing the ease with which firearms are being modified, amplifying the carnage on Alabama streets. The mayor’s message also included a call for stricter penalties for those caught with such modifications, urging for mandatory sentencing of at least 10 years for possession and life in prison if these devices are used in a crime that results in death.

Governor Kay Ivey and the Controversial Constitutional Carry Law

The shooting has reignited a heated debate over Alabama’s gun laws, particularly the “constitutional carry” bill signed into law by Governor Kay Ivey in March 2022. The law, which went into effect on January 1, 2023, allows law-abiding residents aged 19 and older to carry a concealed pistol without a permit. This legislation removed the requirement for a background check or firearms safety course before carrying a concealed weapon, a decision that has faced significant criticism, especially in light of mass shootings like the one last night.

Before this law was passed, residents needed to apply for an Alabama Pistol Permit, which came with certain checks, including sheriff oversight and, in some counties, mandatory firearms training. By eliminating these requirements, critics argue that it has made it easier for individuals to carry firearms, thus contributing to the increase in gun violence.

Public Outcry and the Need for Change

The tragic death of PGE Rod and the other victims has sparked renewed calls for action. Mayor Woodfin’s efforts to push for stronger gun control measures, such as banning Glock switches and tightening concealed carry laws, are gaining public support. However, the lack of state-level legislation addressing these critical issues continues to leave Birmingham vulnerable to more acts of gun violence.

It’s not just the mayor’s fight anymore; the people of Birmingham are increasingly demanding changes to safeguard their communities. Whether through more rigorous gun control laws or heightened penalties for those caught with illegal weapon modifications, the public wants to see action that curbs the rising tide of shootings that has claimed too many lives.

As family, friends, and fans of PGE Rod mourn his untimely death, this tragedy is a harsh reminder of the deadly intersection between street conflicts and the easy access to firearms in Alabama. PGE Rod’s new music video “Spin It,” shot by KenXL, remains online as a bittersweet tribute to his talent, but his legacy now intertwines with a larger, more urgent conversation about gun violence and public safety in Alabama.

The streets of Birmingham have been shaken, and the calls for reform grow louder with every passing day.

[For more information on the mass shooting in Birmingham, click here](https://ktla.com/news/ap-4-killed-in-late-night-shooting-in-birmingham-alabama-police-say).

Michael Brass and Shon-Tai Burton Brass: A Troubled History with Funeral Services and the Devastation of Mary Anderson’s Family

Families First Funeral Services and The Gardens Crematory Under Fire for Mishandling Remains: A Family’s Plea for Justice 

In a heart-wrenching case that continues to draw public attention, the family of Mary Odessa Anderson is seeking justice for what they allege is a series of egregious misconduct by Michael Anthony Brass Jr. and Shon-Tai Burton Brass, the operators of Families First Funeral Services, along with The Gardens Crematory and the Snyder Care Center. These entities are accused of mishandling the remains of Mary Anderson, which has caused irreparable emotional damage to her loved ones.

The family is currently embroiled in litigation against the involved parties, and the depth of their grief is compounded by a pattern of malpractice and fraudulent activity on the part of these funeral service providers. This is not an isolated incident but part of a long history of regulatory violations, license revocations, and unethical practices that stretch back over a decade.

A History of Discipline: Brass and Families First Funeral Services

Michael Brass, a former pastor, and his wife, Shon-Tai Burton Brass, have been involved in numerous complaints and disciplinary actions related to their funeral services. In a 2018 complaint filed with the California Cemetery and Funeral Bureau, it was revealed that Families First Funeral Services had committed multiple infractions, including gross negligence, fraud, unprofessional conduct, and mishandling of remains. The business operated under Shon-Tai Burton’s name after Michael Brass surrendered his funeral establishment license in 2010 due to violations .

Documents from the California Funeral Bureau reveal that Families First Funeral Services continued to engage in unethical business practices even while on probation. They were found to have mishandled the remains of several decedents, failed to register death certificates on time, overcharged clients for services, and failed to exercise proper care over human remains . This culminated in a 2018 decision that placed Families First Funeral Services and Shon-Tai Burton’s license on probation .

However, despite these actions, the problems persisted. The Edwards family has now taken Michael Brass and Shon-Tai Burton to court, accusing them of continuing these egregious practices, even after their licenses were revoked. According to legal filings, Brass and Burton used their influence as community leaders to solicit funeral and cremation business under false pretenses, only to mishandle remains in a manner that has devastated grieving families  .

The Gardens Crematory and Snyder Care Center’s Involvement

The involvement of The Gardens Crematory and the Snyder Care Center has raised further alarm. Despite knowing that Families First Funeral Services’ license had been revoked, both entities continued to conduct business with Michael and Shon-Tai Brass. This complicity in the unlawful and unethical handling of remains has been highlighted in the ongoing litigation brought forward by the Edwards family .

The Gardens Crematory is under fire for having cremated Mary Anderson’s remains without properly verifying her identity as required by California Health and Safety Code Section 8344. The fact that the cremation of Mary Anderson was delayed by over six weeks raises serious concerns about negligence on the part of The Gardens Crematory . The mishandling of remains, the delay in cremation, and the eventual delivery of her ashes in an undignified manner via FedEx left the family shocked and heartbroken  .

A Family’s Grief and Their Plea for Justice

The Edwards family, including Mary Anderson’s grandson, Traon Call, and her daughter, Edith Edwards, have been relentless in their pursuit of justice. They continue to grieve the loss of Mary Anderson, expressing their pain and frustration openly on social media. They have marked her birthday and death anniversary in poignant posts, keeping her memory alive while dealing with the nightmare of the handling of her remains.

In a heart-wrenching Facebook post, Traon Call shared, “URGENT: My family is devastated after learning that the remains of my grandmother, Mary Anderson, may have been mishandled by The Gardens Crematory. We need clarity and answers. Please help us by calling 714-456-0044 or emailing thegardens@thegardenscrematory.com to demand transparency.” This plea is just one example of how the family has been fighting to make sense of what has happened .

Photos Credit:Michael Brass’s Twitter & Shon-Tai Burton Brass’s LinkedIn Account.

The Upcoming Litigation and the Public’s Role

The upcoming trial, set for next month, promises to be a pivotal moment in this ongoing saga. The Edwards family is determined to hold Families First, The Gardens Crematory, and Snyder Care Center accountable for their role in this tragedy. While the defendants have thus far refused to make public apologies, the family is not willing to settle for anything less than full accountability.

This case is not just about one family. It represents a larger issue of negligence within the funeral services industry. Many families, particularly in minority communities, have relied on providers like Families First during the COVID-19 pandemic, when so many lives were tragically lost. The question now is, how many other families may have been affected by these same unethical practices?

A Message to the Public: Speak Out Against Funeral Service Fraud

This case should serve as a wake-up call for families who have trusted funeral service providers like Families First, The Gardens Crematory, and others. The Edwards family urges anyone who has had similar experiences to come forward. Funeral homes and crematories that operate under fraudulent practices must be held accountable to prevent more families from enduring the same pain.

The community must demand that The Gardens Crematory, Michael Brass, and Shon-Tai Burton Brass be held responsible for their actions. The family has made it clear: they will not settle, and they are fighting for justice not only for Mary Anderson but for all families who may have been wronged by these providers.

KTLA’s Interview - https://ktla.com/news/local-news/family-demands-answers-from-carson-funeral-home-after-receiving-remains-in-fedex-box-4-months-later/