"Heroes Live Forever" - the story of Birmingham (AL) Police Officers Carlos Owen, Charles Robert Bennett and Harley Chisholm III

While serving a misdemeanor arrest warrant for domestic violence, three Birmingham police officers were ambushed and killed. It was one of the darkest days in the city's history.

(l to r) Birmingham Officers Carlos Owen, Harley Chisholm III and Charles Bennett

McLean, VA (September 30, 2025) - On the afternoon of June 17, 2004, four Birmingham (AL) police officers went to arrest Nathaniel Woods on a misdemeanor domestic violence charge. After confronting Woods inside an apartment, a struggle ensued and Woods broke free. Another man inside the home opened fire with a SKS semi-automatic rifle. The gunfire was relentless and Officers Carlos Owen, Charles Robert Bennett and Harley Chisholm III were killed. The fourth officer, Michael Collins, was saved when one of the bullets aimed at him struck only his holster. Woods and his accomplice, Kerry Spencer, were soon captured and ultimately convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death. Woods was executed in 2020 and Spencer remains on death row. Harley Chisholm, 40, was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served for six years with the department. Carlos Owen was a seasoned veteran with over 26 years on the force. And Charles Bennett had served for eight years. All were deeply respected by their peers and their community. Listen to the podcast to learn more: https://open.substack.com/pub/behindbadge/p/heroes-live-forever-the-story-of-35