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Birmingham’s Joseph Smith died a violent death back in April. He was stabbed and then repeatedly run over by a killer who went unseen and left few clues. But now Birmingham police say efforts by a curious detective and a detail-oriented evidence tech have resulted in the arrest of Jerry Collins, 29, who is charged with the capital murder of Smith during a robbery, Birmingham News writer Carol Robinson reports.

For Birmingham police, who have some vociferous critics, it had be to a moment to savor. From our online community, there was lots of applause for a job well done. Read some of what people are saying:

• “Very impressive BPD!” — bhamliberal

• “Based on the info in the news, good old fashion luck and a curious cop appears to have played a big part in the investigation. You can have all the forensic evidence in the world but if you can’t connect the dots you only have information.” — cvett69

• “This is just one of many hundreds of times that Mitch Rector has made, or saved, a case for the BPD. He was the best hire Chief Nunn (I believe) ever made, and the City has moved forward a hundred years in Forensics since he came to the Department. Mitch and Evidence Tech Police Officers often do the dirty and time consuming work that nails the conviction in court, but they rarely get the credit. All of the reporters always quote the Detective, and most of them do not give the Technicians the respect they deserve. Thanks Mitch, you are a brilliant man, and we are lucky to have you in Birmingham.” — kryptowrite

• “Well done Birmingham police department detectives. Solving these sorts of crimes quickly and apprehending the suspect gives Birmingham citizens a tremendous sense of security” — poliscientist

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