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Thread: Death Penalty Pursued for Luther Bernard Watkins in 2019 AL Slaying of Officer Dornell Cousette

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    Death Penalty Pursued for Luther Bernard Watkins in 2019 AL Slaying of Officer Dornell Cousette






    Tuscaloosa police officer dies after being shot in line of duty

    WVTM 13 Digital News

    Update: Luther Bernard Watkins has been charged with capital murder.

    TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Authorities are investigating a shooting that claimed the life of a Tuscaloosa police officer late Monday afternoon.

    Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox said 40-year-old Dornell Cousette, a father of two daughters who had been with the Tuscaloosa Police Department for more than a decade. Maddox said Cousette was engaged to be married.

    "In our community, our heroes wear the police uniform of the Tuscaloosa Police Department. And tonight, one of our heroes has died in the line of duty, protecting our city," Maddox said. "It is my sad and solemn duty to

    announce the passing of Dornell Cousette, age 40, 13-plus-year veteran of the Tuscaloosa Police Department, a father of two daughters and engaged to be married."

    Interim Chief Mitt Tubbs joined Maddox at the news conference to share the tragic news and said Cousette exchanged gunfire with a suspect inside a house in the 3300 block of 33rd Avenue.

    "Every time you hear the phone ring, you hope that it's not this call," Tubbs said. "And unfortunately, today it was this call."

    "He was well thought of throughout the department," Tubbs addded. "He was a hero. He was a hero."

    Cousette's body was escorted by police to Montgomery, where an autopsy is planned.

    The chief said the suspect, who was wanted on a felony failure to appear warrant, was wounded in the shooting. The suspect's condition is unknown at this time.

    The city of Tuscaloosa said on social media at 8:35 p.m. that the suspect is in custody and "there is no further danger."

    https://www.wvtm13.com/article/tusca...erway/29078096
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

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    Edited:

    Suspect accused of killing Tuscaloosa police officer out of hospital, taken to jail

    By Howard Koplowwitz
    AL.com

    The man suspected of fatally shooting Tuscaloosa Police Officer Dornell Cousette has been released from medical treatment and taken to jail Friday on capital murder charges.

    Luther Bernard Watkins, Jr., 20, was transported to the Tuscaloosa County Jail by the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit. He is being held on capital murder charges in the Monday night killing of the 40-year-old Cousette, who was fatally shot while trying to serve warrants on Watkins.

    https://www.al.com/news/2019/09/susp...n-to-jail.html
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

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    State will seek death penalty against Luther Watkins

    By Stephanie Taylor
    Tuscaloosa News

    Prosecutors will seek the death penalty against the man accused of fatally shooting a Tuscaloosa Police officer in September.

    TPD Investigator Dornell Cousette was shot and killed on Sept. 16 as he tried to serve felony armed robbery and assault warrants against Luther Bernard Watkins Jr., 20.

    The state’s decision to seek the death penalty was expected, but not official until the Tuscaloosa County District Attorney’s Office filed notice in Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court Wednesday.

    Chief Assistant District Attorney Paula Hearing wrote that the state is seeking a death sentence because Cousette was an on-duty law enforcement officer and because the shooting happened for the purpose of avoiding a lawful arrest and disrupting law enforcement operations.

    An arraignment scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday was canceled.

    https://www.tuscaloosanews.com/news/...luther-watkins
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

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    Change of venue denied for Tuscaloosa police officer's accused killer

    By Stephen Gallien
    Alabama News Leader


    TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WBMA) — A Tuscaloosa County judge rejected a change of venue motion for a man charged with capital murder in police detective Dornell Cousette's shooting death.

    Luther Bernard Watkins, Jr. wrote the motion by hand laying out the six reasons he claimed his trial needs to be moved. Among those reasons is that the slain detective's brother works in the jail where Watkins is being held.

    The judge denied the motion without a hearing.

    Watkins was indicted by a Tuscaloosa County Grand Jury in December.

    He is accused of fatally shooting Detective Coussette September 16, 2019. Court records show Cousette was able to return fire and the 21-year-old Watkins was later found at Northport DCH where he was being treated for a gunshot wound.

    Cousette was a 13-year veteran of the Tuscaloosa police force.

    Watkins' trial date has not yet been set.

    https://abc3340.com/news/local/chang...accused-killer
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

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    Related:

    Man charged with murder of TPD officer Cousette now charged with bribery of a public official

    By WBRC News Staff

    TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WBRC) - Luther Bernard Watkins is being held on capital murder charges in the 2019 death of Tuscaloosa Police Officer Dornell Cousette.

    A corrections officer at the Tuscaloosa County Jail accused Watkins of trying to bribe him with $700.

    Deputy Chief Loyd Baker says Watkins handed the deputy a folded note that said Watkins was offering him $700 to “bring him some paper.” Police believe Watkins meant paper soaked in drugs to smoke.

    He’s been charged with bribery of a public official, which is a class C felony.

    Watkins could now be placed in a disciplinary dorm. It’s not clear if that’s happened yet.

    https://www.wbrc.com/2020/12/28/man-...blic-official/
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

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    Man accused of killing TPD Officer Dornell Cousette appears in court

    TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) — The man accused of shooting and killing Tuscaloosa Police Officer Dornell Cousette appeared in court Tuesday morning for a status hearing.

    Luther Watkins was brought into the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse under heavy police security. He is charged with capital murder in the death of Cousette in 2019. Cousette was killed attempting to arrest Watkins.

    Jim Standridge is Waykins’ lawyer. He says he wants to have access to all evidence to help his case.

    “It is important to us that we find out everything that happened in connection with this case. And we uncover all the evidence in this case so we can know exactly what happened and didn’t happen,” Standridge said.

    Remembering fallen Tuscaloosa police officer Dornell Cousette during National Officers Vigil
    The defense filed a motion asking the judge to prohibit the death penalty in this case. Chief Assistant District Attorney Paula Whitley strongly opposes the motion.

    “We objected to their motion and believe that under Alabama state law allows the imposition of the death penalty who is convicted of capital murder if they are over the age of 18,” Whitley said.

    Judge Brad Almond did not make any ruling on the motion, which will have at a later date during another hearing. Standridge says the death penalty is a big part of this case and is hoping the judge will rule in favor of his motion.

    “We oppose the death penalty in all our cases but this case because we don’t believe the conduct, in this case, fits what the statute calls for as a capital offense,” Standridge said.

    Whitley says she wants justice for officer Cousette’s family.

    “The family is still dealing with their loss but they came today and showed tremendous support and we appreciate them coming for hearings even though it’s frustrating at times but it’s very important for them to be here,” she said.

    No trial date has been set for this case.

    https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cbs...-in-court/amp/
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    Suspect Claims Self-Defense In 2019 Shooting Death Of TPD Investigator

    A man accused of capital murder in the 2019 shooting death of a Tuscaloosa Police Department investigator claims he acted in self-defense

    By Ryan Phillips
    Patch News

    TUSCALOOSA, AL — The defense attorney for a Tuscaloosa man accused of capital murder in the 2019 shooting death of Tuscaloosa Police Department investigator Dornell Cousette claims his client acted in self-defense.

    Tuscaloosa criminal defense attorney Jim Standridge, who is representing 23-year-old Luther Bernard Watkins, Jr., filed a motion on Friday requesting a pre-trial immunity hearing to allow Tuscaloosa County Circuit Judge Brad Almond to rule on the possibility of self-defense in the case.

    In regards to self-defense cases, an immunity hearing typically occurs after an indictment by a grand jury and prior to a jury trial. During such hearings, the judge is presented all of the available evidence of the case and tasked with determining if the defense proves the defendant's actions fall under Alabama's "Stand Your Ground" law.

    According to the initial deposition and charge sheet, Cousette on the night on Sept. 16, 2019 — just before 6:30 p.m. — went to a residence at 1709 33rd Avenue to serve an arrest warrant on Watkins for an outstanding robbery charge.

    The deposition says Watkins ran into the house, followed by Cousette, who was shot by the Watkins just inside the door. Investigators then claimed that Cousette was able to return fire at Watkins, before Watkins fled the scene and Cousette was transported to DCH Regional Medical Center. He later died from his injuries.

    Watkins reportedly fled the scene and was later located at DCH's hospital in Northport, where he was being treated for a gunshot wound.

    Standridge, however, raised the possibility of a different set of circumstances surrounding the death of the beloved investigator.

    In the motion for a pre-trial immunity hearing, Standridge claims Watkins and several associates were at the residence, with Watkins seated at a table outside — his back to traffic traveling south on 33rd Avenue.

    The defense attorney then says, at some point, Cousette pulled up to Watkins's location in his police vehicle, followed by a bail bondsman in his private vehicle. Standridge alleges that as Cousette drove up to the residence, Watkins took several steps toward the front door of the residence and was quickly followed by Cousette.

    "As Officer Cousette left his vehicle according to witnesses, he made the statement 'run and I’ll shoot,'" Standridge said. "As both [Watkins] and Officer Cousette entered the residence, Officer Cousette shot [Watkins] in the back, then in the chest with his duty weapon, knocking [Watkins] to the floor."

    Standridge then said Watkins returned fire after being shot and fatally injured Cousette.

    The defense attorney also claims Watkins was not armed at the time he was shot by Cousette, who was "not acting in his official duty as a police officer but rather was assisting a bail bondsman in serving the arrest writ on the Defendant."

    What's more, Standridge argues that Cousette’s supervisor had just "explicitly denied him permission" to serve the arrest warrant — an order he claims Cousette ignored.

    "[Watkins], who was in a place where he had a right to be, a residence, therefore maintains that he was acting in self-defense after having been shot twice by Officer Cousette and that he should be immune from prosecution based upon that fact," Standridge says.

    Watkins remains behind bars and without bond in the Tuscaloosa County Jail and is currently facing the death penalty.

    https://patch.com/alabama/tuscaloosa...d-investigator
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

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    LUTHER WATKINS DEEMED COMPETENT TO STAND TRIAL IN KILLING OF TUSCALOOSA OFFICER

    By Chelsea Barton
    WVUA News

    The man charged with killing a Tuscaloosa police officer in 2019 has been deemed competent to stand trial.

    Luther Watkins Jr., 23, is charged with capital murder in the death of Tuscaloosa Police Officer Dornell Cousette, who died in September 2019, and he could stand trial as early as this summer.

    Court documents filed last week show Watkins received an outside mental evaluation by a forensic examiner appointed by the Alabama Department of Mental Health. That examiner determined Watkins is fit to stand trial on the capital murder charge.

    Tuscaloosa City Council President Kip Tyner, who was a friend of Cousette’s, said his family and his city are one step closer to getting justice.

    “This is, of course, what we were hoping for from the city,” Tyner said. “Everyone should have their day in court. Hardly a day goes by that I don’t think about Officer Cousette, especially with the other two officers who have followed unfortunately his path and been slain in the line of duty. I think the decision is certainly one that I think the public will be happy with.”

    Watkins is represented by Tuscaloosa attorney Jim Standridge.

    Standridge said it’s important for defendants to be evaluated before a trial, especially in cases where the charges could result in the death penalty.

    “If a defendant is not competent to stand trial, he cannot be brought to trial on the charges because he can’t understand what is going on and he can’t assist in his defense,” Standridge said. “The second component of the competency evaluation is if they were competent at the time of the offense. That is usually reserved on down the line closer to trial, but obviously if a person charged with a crime is not mentally competent at the time of the offense, they can’t be charged with the offense because they could not form the requisite intent necessary to commit a criminal offense.”

    Watkins and his legal team have two weeks to file an objection to the competency evaluation report.

    https://www.wvua23.com/luther-watkin...loosa-officer/
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

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