Prosecution Rests On Third Day Of Luther Watkins Capital Murder Trial

The defense is set to resume calling its witnesses on Thursday in the capital murder trial of Luther Bernard Watkins Jr., accused of killing a Tuscaloosa police investigator.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The prosecution rested on the third day of the capital murder trial for Luther Bernard Watkins Jr., the man accused of the 2019 shooting death of Tuscaloosa Police Department Investigator Dornell Cousette. Testimony on Wednesday included forensic evidence, expert witness accounts, and statements from a witness who was present during the shooting.

Why it matters

This high-profile trial is closely watched as it involves the killing of a police officer, which is considered a capital offense. The outcome could have significant implications for the community and set precedents for future cases.

The details

Forensic biologist Hannah Parkinson testified about DNA evidence collected at the crime scene, including a match to Watkins. Firearms examiner Nicholas Drake said it was "inconclusive" that Cousette was shot with the recovered Hi-Point handgun, though other evidence suggested Cousette fired twice and Watkins fired once. Witness Kevonte Chambers, who was present during the shooting, testified that he saw a red laser dot trained on Watkins prior to the exchange of gunfire, though the origin of the laser is unclear.

  • The shooting occurred on the evening of September 16, 2019.
  • The capital murder trial for Watkins began on February 11, 2026.

The players

Luther Bernard Watkins Jr.

The man accused of the 2019 shooting death of Tuscaloosa Police Department Investigator Dornell Cousette.

Dornell Cousette

A Tuscaloosa Police Department Investigator who was killed in the 2019 shooting.

Hannah Parkinson

A forensic biologist with the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences who testified about DNA evidence collected at the crime scene.

Nicholas Drake

A firearms examiner with the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences who testified about the firearms used in the shooting.

Kevonte Chambers

A witness who was present at the scene of the shooting and testified about what he saw and heard.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“it ain't my mother fucking problem.”

— Kevonte Chambers (Patch)

What’s next

The defense is set to resume calling its witnesses on Thursday in the capital murder trial of Luther Bernard Watkins Jr.

The takeaway

This high-profile trial involving the killing of a police officer is closely watched, with the outcome potentially having significant implications for the community and setting precedents for future cases.