State Rests in Murder Trial of Luther Watkins, Case for Self-Defense Begins

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State prosecutors rested their case against Luther Watkins Jr. in the murder trial against him, and his attorneys began making their case that it was self-defense when he killed a Tuscaloosa police officer in 2019. The defense is expected to argue that the officer was acting without backup and against advice when he pursued Watkins into a home and shot him in the back before Watkins returned fire.

Why it matters

This case has drawn significant attention in the Tuscaloosa community, with debates around police tactics, self-defense laws, and the handling of wanted suspects. The outcome could set precedents around when lethal force is justified, especially in confrontations between law enforcement and civilians.

The details

Prosecutors argue Watkins was a wanted fugitive who ran from Tuscaloosa Police Investigator Dornell Cousette when he tried to arrest him outside a home in 2019. They say Watkins ran inside and engaged in a gunfight, with Cousette shooting Watkins twice before a fatal shot struck Cousette. The defense plans to argue Cousette acted recklessly by pursuing Watkins into the home without backup and shot him in the back before Watkins returned fire.

• In September 2019, the shooting incident occurred between Watkins and Investigator Cousette.
• The state's case against Watkins began in February 2026, with the prosecution resting on February 12, 2026.
• The defense began presenting its case for self-defense on February 12, 2026 after the state rested.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.