Guilty Verdict Reached in Tuscaloosa Police Officer Murder Case

Community leaders react to conviction of Luther Bernard Watkins, Jr. for killing Investigator Dornell Cousette in 2019

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A jury has found Luther Bernard Watkins, Jr. guilty of capital murder for the 2019 shooting death of Tuscaloosa Police Department Investigator Dornell Cousette. The verdict was met with mixed reactions from the community, with city and law enforcement leaders praising the prosecution's work while Watkins' family expressed disappointment. Watkins now faces the possibility of the death penalty as the case moves to the sentencing phase.

Why it matters

The murder of Investigator Cousette was a tragic loss for the Tuscaloosa community, and the guilty verdict provides some measure of accountability and closure. However, the case has also highlighted ongoing tensions around policing, the criminal justice system, and community relations.

The details

According to the report, the jury deliberated for most of the afternoon on Friday before returning the guilty verdict against Watkins. The jury consisted of four white women, three white men, two black women, and one black man. Prosecutors argued that Watkins shot and killed Investigator Cousette at close range when the officer attempted to serve an arrest warrant at Watkins' home in 2019. Watkins' defense attorneys had claimed he was acting in self-defense, but the jury ultimately rejected that argument.

  • The incident occurred in 2019 when Investigator Cousette was attempting to serve an arrest warrant on Watkins.
  • The trial took place in February 2026, with the jury reaching a guilty verdict on February 14, 2026.

The players

Luther Bernard Watkins, Jr.

The man convicted of capital murder for killing Tuscaloosa Police Investigator Dornell Cousette in 2019.

Dornell Cousette

A Tuscaloosa Police Department investigator who was shot and killed while attempting to serve an arrest warrant in 2019.

Hays Webb

The District Attorney whose office prosecuted the case against Watkins.

Brent Blankley

The City of Tuscaloosa's Executive Director of Public Safety, who previously served as the city's police chief.

Sebo Sanders

The Interim Tuscaloosa Police Chief.

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What they’re saying

“This outcome reflects the hard work of investigators, prosecutors, and everyone committed to seeking justice. This has been a long and emotional process, especially for the family and friends of the victim. We hope this verdict brings them some measure of peace. Thank you to law enforcement, the court, and the community for supporting this pursuit of justice.”

— Hays Webb, District Attorney (Patch)

“We appreciate the time and care the jury gave to reviewing the evidence and testimony presented. We're also grateful for members of the Tuscaloosa County District Attorney's Office who worked to present the facts clearly and completely. They prepared and presented a strong case.”

— Brent Blankley, City of Tuscaloosa Executive Director of Public Safety (Patch)

“Dornell wasn't just a colleague, he was a good friend. I served alongside him and I knew the kind of man he was. It's important that we remember that. He was a brother, a fiancé and the father of two daughters. He was an officer who chose to work cases involving vulnerable children —both victims and offenders. That work is some of the toughest work an officer can do, but he did it because he believed each one deserved someone in their corner.”

— Sebo Sanders, Interim Tuscaloosa Police Chief (Patch)

What’s next

Watkins is scheduled to return to court on Tuesday, where the jury will consider his sentencing, which includes the possibility of the death penalty.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions and complexities surrounding policing, the criminal justice system, and community relations in Tuscaloosa. While the guilty verdict provides some accountability, it also underscores the need for continued dialogue, reform, and a commitment to public safety and justice that considers the perspectives of all stakeholders.