On September 16, 2019 Inv. Dornell Cousette attempted to take into custody Luther Bernard Watkins Jr. on two warrants for outstanding Robbery I (Class A felony). Watkins fled inside the house he was in the front yard of, and a shooting occurred. Watkins was struck twice by Inv. Cousette, but tragically Inv. Cousette was mortally wounded by Watkins and was pronounced deceased shortly after arriving at DCH Regional Medical Center. Watkins was located at a hospital in a neighboring jurisdiction and charged with Capital Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer. In preparation for his trial that began on Monday, February 2, 2026, the Tuscaloosa County District Attorney’s Office wanted a life size mannequin/dummy for demonstrative purposes for trajectory. Forensic Pieces was gracious enough to allow us to borrow their mannequin, stand, and trajectory rods. On Friday, February 13, 2026 the jury returned a guilty verdict, and on Thursday, February 19, 2026 Luther Bernard Watkins Jr. was sentenced to Life Without the Possibility of Parole and transferred to the custody of the Alabama Department of Corrections. We want to thank the hard work of investigators, prosecutors, and everyone committed to seeking justice for Inv. Dornell Cousette.