3 Suspects Charged In Murder Of Missing Jefferson County Woman

BIRMINGHAM, AL — The month-long search for a Jefferson County woman ended early Monday morning, when Marka “Willoe” Watkins, 20, was found murdered in Tuscaloosa. Three suspects have been arrested and charged in her murder.

Authorities have charged Kendal Tyler Battles, 29, and Joseph Brandon Nevels, 20, and Devon Trent Hall, 27, with murder and abuse of a corpse.

A report by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said investigators followed up on dozens of tips about possible whereabouts of Watkins. She has been missing since June 15.

On Sunday July 28, information came in to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office on where she might be. The Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office followed up on that information and were able to locate and recover a body early Monday morning, later identified as Watkins.

Watkins' body was found in a well about 30 feet down. Investigators took more than 12 hours to excavate the well and recover her body. Authorities have not yet released a motive in Watkins’ slaying, nor have they said how she was killed.

A report by Alabama Media Group said Tuscaloosa law enforcement officials indicated that the murder and discarding of Watkins' body took forethought and planning.

"Her body was not discarded in a hasty fashion," said Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit Lt. JackKennedy. "It took planning and it took more than person."

The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests are possible.