ASU Student's Killer Sentenced, but Mother Finds No Closure

Toya Cohill, mother of slain 22-year-old Adam Dowdell, speaks out after sentencing in her son's 2020 murder.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:06am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single bullet casing against a pitch-black background, the harsh lighting creating a stark, gritty aesthetic that conceptually represents the violence and tragedy of the crime without depicting any actual violence or victims.The harsh, unforgiving light of the camera flash illuminates the physical evidence of a tragic act of violence, a reminder of the profound loss felt by the victim's family.Montgomery Today

More than five years after Alabama State University student Adam Dowdell was killed, the man responsible has been sentenced, bringing a sense of justice to Dowdell's family, but not the closure they've been longing for. Toya Cohill, Dowdell's mother, says the sentencing marked the end of a long and emotional chapter, but the pain of losing her son remains. Dowdell was a junior at ASU, working toward becoming a special education teacher, and was described by his family as kind, reserved, and deeply loved.

Why it matters

This case highlights the lasting trauma and lack of closure that families often face even after a perpetrator is sentenced for a violent crime. The Dowdell family's experience underscores the emotional toll of the legal process and the difficulty of moving forward after the loss of a loved one, especially when the victim is a young person with a bright future.

The details

According to investigators, the man responsible for Dowdell's murder was someone the victim trusted. Cohill struggles to process the betrayal, asking, 'If that was so-called his friend, why would you shoot your friend from the back of the head?' The family was forced to relive the tragedy over and over again as the case moved through the justice system, with years of court delays, hearings, and uncertainty. Cohill described the defendant's behavior during sentencing as unsettling, saying he 'tried to play like he had tears, but not one tear crossed his face.'

  • In 2020, Dowdell's disappearance sent shockwaves across Alabama State University's campus.
  • On Monday, the man responsible for Dowdell's murder was sentenced.

The players

Toya Cohill

The mother of 22-year-old Adam Dowdell, who was killed in 2020.

Adam Dowdell

A 22-year-old junior at Alabama State University who was working toward becoming a special education teacher.

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What they’re saying

“'It actually really, really gave me relief. But it also gave me an anxiety attack.'”

— Toya Cohill, Mother of Adam Dowdell

“'If that was so-called his friend, why would you shoot your friend from the back of the head?'”

— Toya Cohill, Mother of Adam Dowdell

“'He was a sweetheart. Everybody loved him.'”

— Toya Cohill, Mother of Adam Dowdell

“'Every time you seen him, he was smiling.'”

— Family member

“'I had to have a closed casket, for my son.'”

— Toya Cohill, Mother of Adam Dowdell

What’s next

Cohill says she plans to attend every future parole hearing to ensure the sentence holds, and the family is committed to continuing to process their loss through faith and community support.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the lasting impact of violent crime on families, even after justice is served in the courtroom. The Dowdell family's experience underscores the importance of providing comprehensive support and resources for victims' loved ones as they navigate the complex legal system and work to heal from their profound loss.