On New Year's Day in Hartselle, Alabama, a dispute turned deadly, ending the life of 34-year-old Steven Eric McCulloch. The fatal encounter occurred on January 1, 2026, at a residence located in the 1100 block of Highway 36 East. Authorities from the Morgan County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene around 2:45 in the afternoon, where they found McCulloch had been shot.
He succumbed to his injuries later that day.
The investigation into the shooting pointed to an ongoing conflict between McCulloch and another man, Roger Timothy Clayton. Evidence suggested that tensions had been escalating, as deputies had been called to the same location the day prior for a harassment complaint. This prior interaction foreshadowed the tragic events that would unfold on New Year's Day.
Following the shooting, law enforcement quickly identified Clayton as the suspect. A Somerville police officer, responding to another 911 call made just before 3:00 p.m., located and arrested Clayton. A gun was also recovered from inside Clayton's home. The Morgan County Sheriff's Office subsequently charged Roger Timothy Clayton with murder in connection with Steven Eric McCulloch's death. Clayton later appeared in court for a hearing regarding his bond.
