- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Tuscaloosa Today
By the People, for the People
Man Accused Of Killing Tuscaloosa Police Officer Takes Stand In Day Four Of Capital Murder Trial
Luther Bernard Watkins Jr. testified about the events leading up to the 2019 shooting death of Tuscaloosa Police Investigator Dornell Cousette.
Published on Feb. 12, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
In a surprising turn, the man accused of killing a Tuscaloosa police officer in 2019 took the stand to testify on the fourth day of his capital murder trial. Luther Bernard Watkins Jr. walked the jury through his account of the events leading up to the fatal shooting of Investigator Dornell Cousette. Watkins claimed he shot Cousette in self-defense after the officer confronted him about outstanding warrants and the shooting quickly escalated.
Why it matters
This high-profile trial has drawn significant attention in the Tuscaloosa community, as it involves the killing of a respected police officer in the line of duty. Watkins' testimony provides his side of the story and could impact the jury's decision on whether the shooting was justified self-defense or a premeditated act of violence against law enforcement.
The details
Watkins testified that he was living in a tent behind the house on 33rd Street due to outstanding warrants for robbery and assault. On the day of the shooting, he said he was playing cards with friends when Investigator Cousette and a bail bondsman arrived to apprehend him. Watkins claimed he ran inside the house, was shot in the back by Cousette, and then shot the officer in the face in what he said was self-defense. Watkins said he fled the scene, hid the gun, and went to a friend's house for help before going to the hospital.
- On September 16, 2019, the fatal shooting occurred.
- Watkins was booked into the Tuscaloosa County Jail on September 21, 2019.
The players
Luther Bernard Watkins Jr.
The 20-year-old man accused of killing Tuscaloosa Police Investigator Dornell Cousette in 2019.
Dornell Cousette
A Tuscaloosa Police Department Investigator who was fatally shot while attempting to apprehend Watkins on outstanding warrants.
Ed Giles
A bail bondsman who accompanied Cousette to the house on 33rd Street to arrest Watkins.
Kevonte Chambers
A witness who was present in the front yard when the shooting occurred.
Kenclomisha Hughes
A friend of Watkins who drove him to the hospital after the shooting.
What they’re saying
“Oh shit, there's Cousette — is that what went through your mind?”
— Paula Whitley Abernathy, Chief Assistant District Attorney (Patch)
“It was so quick. You have to think about how fast this happened, m'am.”
— Luther Bernard Watkins Jr. (Patch)
“that bitch should've killed me.”
— Luther Bernard Watkins Jr. (Patch)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Friday whether to allow the jury to consider the defense's self-defense argument.
The takeaway
This high-profile trial has sparked intense debate in the Tuscaloosa community about police use of force policies, the rights of suspects with outstanding warrants, and the tragic consequences when an encounter between law enforcement and a wanted individual turns deadly.
