Alleged Criminal History Revealed in Luther Watkins Murder Trial

Jurors learn Watkins was wanted for violent crimes when he fatally shot Tuscaloosa police investigator in 2019

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Jurors in the trial of Luther Watkins, accused of killing a Tuscaloosa police investigator in 2019, learned that Watkins had an extensive criminal history and was wanted for several violent crimes at the time of the shooting. Testimony and evidence presented on the second day of the trial provided details about the night of the incident, Watkins' social media activity, and recorded jail calls where he discussed the case.

Why it matters

The revelation of Watkins' alleged criminal history prior to the fatal shooting raises questions about bail reform, public safety, and whether law enforcement had sufficient grounds to pursue and apprehend Watkins given the outstanding warrants against him. The case highlights ongoing debates around use of force by police and accountability for repeat offenders.

The details

Prosecutors presented evidence that Watkins was wanted for four counts of first-degree armed robbery and one count of felony second-degree assault in September 2019 when Tuscaloosa police investigator Dornell Cousette attempted to arrest him. Watkins allegedly fled into a home, leading to a confrontation in which Cousette was fatally shot. Testimony and evidence showed Watkins had a history of violent social media posts and recorded jail calls discussing the case, including attempts to conceal evidence.

  • On September 16, 2019, Cousette and a local bailbondsman tracked Watkins to a home in West Tuscaloosa.
  • Cousette chased Watkins inside the home, where the fatal shooting occurred.

The players

Luther Watkins

A 20-year-old man accused of fatally shooting Tuscaloosa police investigator Dornell Cousette in 2019. Watkins had outstanding warrants for violent crimes at the time of the incident.

Dornell Cousette

A Tuscaloosa police investigator who was fatally shot while attempting to arrest Watkins in 2019.

David Hanks

A Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office crime scene analyst who testified about evidence collected at the crime scene.

J.C. Bryant

A Tuscaloosa Police patrol sergeant who responded to the hospital where Watkins was dropped off after the shooting.

Michael Hall

A lieutenant with the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit who investigated Cousette's death and testified about Watkins' social media activity and recorded jail calls.

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What they’re saying

“I just caught another case, I'm a young felon. If a n***a in my way, I'm gon' crack his melon.”

— Luther Watkins (Facebook)

“Given the nature of the charges against him in 2019, I would have considered it 'a failure of your duty,' to see Watkins in public and not attempt to arrest him.”

— Michael Hall, Lieutenant, Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit (1051theblock.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Watkins out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing debates around bail reform, public safety, and the use of force by police when confronting suspects with known violent criminal histories. It raises questions about whether law enforcement had sufficient grounds to pursue and apprehend Watkins given the outstanding warrants against him.