On the evening of September 16, 2019, the city of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, lost a dedicated public servant. Dornell Cousette, a 40-year-old investigator with the Tuscaloosa Police Department, was shot and killed in the line of duty. A 13-year veteran of the force and a U.S. Army veteran, Cousette was known for his commitment to protecting the community's youth as a standout agent in the juvenile division.
He left behind two daughters and a fiancée.
Investigator Cousette was attempting to serve a warrant on Luther Bernard Watkins, Jr., who was 20 years old at the time and wanted on prior felony charges. Acting on a tip from a bondsman, Cousette located Watkins at a residence near the intersection of Short 17th Street and 33rd Avenue. When the investigator arrived, Watkins fled into the house. Cousette pursued him inside, where an exchange of gunfire occurred. Investigator Cousette was tragically struck in the face. Despite his mortal wound, he was able to return fire and injure Watkins. Cousette was rushed to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Following the shooting, Luther Bernard Watkins, Jr. sought treatment for his gunshot wounds at a different hospital, where he was subsequently arrested. He was charged with capital murder in the death of Investigator Dornell Cousette. The legal proceedings against Watkins began, with jury selection taking place over five days in early 2026.
The trial commenced with the prosecution, led by District Attorney Hayes Webb, arguing that Watkins knowingly and intentionally caused the death of a police officer. The defense has not denied that Watkins fired the fatal shot but has contended that he acted in self-defense, claiming that Investigator Cousette fired his weapon first. During the trial, jurors were presented with body camera footage from the first responding officer, which captured the immediate and grave aftermath of the shooting. Witnesses, including law enforcement officers and individuals who transported Watkins to the hospital, have provided testimony. The trial of Luther Bernard Watkins, Jr. for the alleged murder of Investigator Dornell Cousette is ongoing in Tuscaloosa County.
