In the early morning hours of August 15, 2024, the life of 37-year-old Otis Keon Cole was tragically cut short in a fatal shooting at a Northport apartment complex. Northport Police responded to a call at approximately 5:45 a.m. at the Knoll Circle Apartments on 17th Street. Upon their arrival, they discovered Cole, who had sustained an apparent gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Family members present at the tragic scene quickly identified the alleged shooter as Cole's
own nephew, 27-year-old Keyontae Franshon Coleman. Shortly after the incident, law enforcement located and detained the younger Coleman. The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit has since taken over the investigation.
Following the investigation, Keyontae Franshon Coleman was charged with one count of murder in the death of his uncle. He was subsequently booked into the Tuscaloosa County Jail and is being held without bond pending a judicial hearing. While an arrest has been made, the motive for the shooting remains under investigation by authorities. This incident marked the 23rd homicide investigated by the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit in 2024.
