Jury Finds Luther Watkins Guilty Of Capital Murder In Killing Of Tuscaloosa Police Officer

Watkins now faces sentencing next week that could include the death penalty under Alabama law.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A Tuscaloosa County jury has found Luther Bernard Watkins Jr. guilty of capital murder in the 2019 shooting death of Tuscaloosa Police Department Investigator Dornell Cousette. Prosecutors portrayed Watkins as a fugitive with multiple outstanding warrants who shot Cousette as the veteran investigator attempted to serve an arrest warrant. The defense argued that Cousette did not follow proper protocol and that Watkins acted only to save his own life, but the jury rejected those claims.

Why it matters

The case drew significant attention not only because of its connection to the death of a law enforcement officer, but also due to long delays before the trial. The verdict highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing public safety, officer protocol, and defendants' rights in high-stakes criminal cases.

The details

Prosecutors said Watkins, a fugitive with multiple outstanding warrants for robbery and assault, chose to shoot Cousette as the veteran investigator attempted to serve an arrest warrant at a residence in west Tuscaloosa on Sept. 16, 2019. The defense argued that Cousette did not follow proper protocol and that Watkins acted only to save his own life, but the jury rejected those claims after hearing testimony from investigators, crime scene investigators, and family members, as well as reviewing forensic evidence, surveillance footage, and recordings of Watkins' statements.

  • The fatal encounter occurred on September 16, 2019.
  • The trial began on February 13, 2026, over 6 years after the incident.

The players

Luther Bernard Watkins Jr.

The defendant who was found guilty of capital murder in the killing of Tuscaloosa Police Department Investigator Dornell Cousette.

Dornell Cousette

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

Paula Whitley Abernathy

The Chief Assistant District Attorney who urged jurors to reject the defense's self-defense claims.

Hays Webb

The District Attorney who told jurors that Cousette's last words may have been 'Don't you run,' as Watkins fled from him, only seconds before the fatal shot was fired.

Brad Almond

The Circuit Court Judge who presided over the trial before retiring from the bench.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.