A jury on Friday found Luther Watkins Jr. guilty of capital murder in the killing of Tuscaloosa police investigator Dornell Cousette, following several days of testimony and hours of deliberation.”Today’s verdict brings accountability in a case that has affected many in this community,” said Tuscaloosa Police Department Interim Chief Sebo Sanders. “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 perpetrators of crimes. That work is some of the toughest work an officer can do, but he did it because he believed they all do deserved someone in their corner. His photo still hangs in the room where our officers gather before every shift. It will always remind us of who he was and what he gave to this job.”Watkins had been accused of fatally shooting Cousette during an encounter in which prosecutors said Watkins was attempting to avoid arrest on outstanding robbery warrants.A sentencing hearing is set for Tuesday.ProsecutionThe prosecution argued that Watkins is a “cold-blooded killer” and demonstrated that the defense’s suggestion of how the shooting occurred does not make sense. They stated that Watkins knew Cousette, was aware of his warrants, and ran to avoid arrest, intending to kill Cousette.The prosecution emphasized that Watkins’ narrative keeps changing.DefenseThe defense maintained transparency about Watkins killing Cousette, acknowledging his warrants for robbery and his attempt to run.They argued that Cousette was off duty and instructed by his supervisor, whom he called for backup, not to pursue Watkins. But decided to proceed anyway, saying “(expletive) it.”The defense argues that Watkins tripped while entering the house because the door did not latch properly. Attorneys said Cousette struck Watkins in the back, prompting Watkins to pull a weapon from his waistband, turn around and shoot Cousette.The defense claimed several other witnesses did not see Watkins’ gun. The trialTestimony began Monday, when prosecutors and defense attorneys outlined sharply different accounts of the encounter during opening statements.Watkins took the stand on Thursday. This is a developing story and will be updated as information becomes available. Stay updated on the latest stories with the WVTM 13 app. You can download it here.
A jury on Friday found Luther Watkins Jr. guilty of capital murder in the killing of Tuscaloosa police investigator Dornell Cousette, following several days of testimony and hours of deliberation.
“Today’s verdict brings accountability in a case that has affected many in this community,” said Tuscaloosa Police Department Interim Chief Sebo Sanders. “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 perpetrators of crimes. That work is some of the toughest work an officer can do, but he did it because he believed they all do deserved someone in their corner. His photo still hangs in the room where our officers gather before every shift. It will always remind us of who he was and what he gave to this job.”
Watkins had been accused of fatally shooting Cousette during an encounter in which prosecutors said Watkins was attempting to avoid arrest on outstanding robbery warrants.
A sentencing hearing is set for Tuesday.
Prosecution
The prosecution argued that Watkins is a “cold-blooded killer” and demonstrated that the defense’s suggestion of how the shooting occurred does not make sense. They stated that Watkins knew Cousette, was aware of his warrants, and ran to avoid arrest, intending to kill Cousette.
The prosecution emphasized that Watkins’ narrative keeps changing.
Defense
The defense maintained transparency about Watkins killing Cousette, acknowledging his warrants for robbery and his attempt to run.
They argued that Cousette was off duty and instructed by his supervisor, whom he called for backup, not to pursue Watkins. But decided to proceed anyway, saying “(expletive) it.”
The defense argues that Watkins tripped while entering the house because the door did not latch properly. Attorneys said Cousette struck Watkins in the back, prompting Watkins to pull a weapon from his waistband, turn around and shoot Cousette.
The defense claimed several other witnesses did not see Watkins’ gun.
The trial
Testimony began Monday, when prosecutors and defense attorneys outlined sharply different accounts of the encounter during opening statements.
Watkins took the stand on Thursday.
This is a developing story and will be updated as information becomes available. Stay updated on the latest stories with the WVTM 13 app. You can download it here.