Luther Watkins Gets Life Without Parole for Murder of Tuscaloosa Investigator Dornell Cousette

February 20, 2026 - TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - A Tuscaloosa County jury has sentenced Luther Watkins Jr. to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the 2019 murder of Tuscaloosa Police Investigator Dornell Cousette, rejecting the death penalty sought by prosecutors and closing one of the most painful chapters in recent Alabama law‑enforcement history.

The verdict came after emotional testimony and years of legal delays, culminating in a sentencing phase that weighed the brutality of the crime against mitigating factors presented by the defense. After deliberating, jurors chose the harshest possible punishment short of death, ensuring Watkins will spend the rest of his life in prison.

A Fallen Investigator Remembered

Investigator Dornell Cousette, 40, was a highly respected, 13‑year veteran of the Tuscaloosa Police Department. Known for his calm presence, dedication to mentoring young people, and deep ties to the West Tuscaloosa community, Cousette was widely regarded as one of the department's most trusted investigators.

He was fatally shot on September 16, 2019, while attempting to arrest Watkins, who was wanted on outstanding warrants. Cousette was engaged to be married and left behind two daughters and two stepchildren.

His death sent shockwaves through Tuscaloosa, prompting vigils, tributes, and statewide calls for justice.

The Jury's Decision

During sentencing, prosecutors argued that Watkins knowingly killed a police officer performing his duty and that the crime warranted the death penalty. They emphasized Cousette's service, the danger Watkins posed, and the lasting trauma inflicted on the officer's family and department.

Defense attorneys urged jurors to consider Watkins' troubled upbringing, mental‑health struggles, and the chaotic circumstances of the shooting. They argued that while the crime was tragic, Watkins' life still held value.

In the end, the jury delivered a unanimous sentence of life without parole, a decision that ensures Watkins will never be released but stops short of capital punishment.

Reactions From the Courtroom

Members of Cousette's family expressed relief that the long legal process had reached a conclusion, though the pain of losing a father, fiancé, and son remains.

Tuscaloosa Police Chief Brent Blankley said the department continues to honor Cousette's legacy and thanked the jury for its careful deliberation. "Investigator Cousette gave everything to this community," Blankley said. "Today brings accountability, but it will never replace what we lost."

A Case That Shaped Tuscaloosa

Cousette's death marked one of the darkest days in modern Tuscaloosa law‑enforcement history. His name now stands alongside other Alabama officers killed in the line of duty, and his memory continues to be honored through scholarships, community programs, and annual remembrances.

With Watkins' sentencing, the criminal case is finally closed, but Cousette's impact on the city he served remains firmly in place.