Community Leaders React To Guilty Verdict For Man Convicted Of Murdering Tuscaloosa Police Officer

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Audible gasps were followed by some quiet sobbing on the defense side when the guilty verdict was read by Circuit Judge Brad Almond Friday afternoon in the capital murder trial of Luther Bernard Watkins, Jr., the man now convicted of murdering Tuscaloosa Police Department investigator Dornell Cousette in 2019.

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Those sitting behind the prosecution, mainly members of Cousette's family and a large delegation of police officers, were stoic when the verdict was read and showed little outward emotion as they solemnly exited Judge Almond's courtroom Friday.

As Patch previously reported, the jury returned a guilty verdict around 4:30 p.m. after deliberating for most of the afternoon following closing arguments Friday morning. The jury consisted of four White women, three White men, two Black women and one Black man after three alternates were excused before deliberations began.

"This outcome reflects the hard work of investigators, prosecutors, and everyone committed to seeking justice," District Attorney Hays Webb's office said in a statement released Friday evening. "This has been a long and emotional process, especially for the family and friends of the victim. We hope this verdict brings them some measure of peace. Thank you to law enforcement, the court, and the community for supporting this pursuit of justice."

The news was also well-received by City of Tuscaloosa leaders more than six years after one of its officers was shot and killed while attempting to serve an arrest warrant on Watkins at the house on 33rd Avenue in the city's West End.

City of Tuscaloosa Executive Director of Public Safety Brent Blankley, who previously served as the city's police chief, said the verdict provides resolution in a case that has weighed on the department for years.

"We appreciate the time and care the jury gave to reviewing the evidence and testimony presented," he said. "We’re also grateful for members of the Tuscaloosa County District Attorney’s Office who worked to present the facts clearly and completely. They prepared and presented a strong case."

Blankley went on to say that while no legal outcome can undo the tragic events discussed at trial, the verdict affirms the value the community places on accountability and the rule of law.

"Investigator Cousette served this department and this city with courage," he said. "His service will not be forgotten."

Interim Tuscaloosa Police Chief Sebo Sanders also issued a statement following the verdict, saying the jury's decision brings accountability in a case that has affected so many.

"Dornell wasn’t just a colleague, he was a good friend," he said. "I served alongside him and I knew the kind of man he was. It’s important that we remember that. He was a brother, a fiancé and the father of two daughters. He was an officer who chose to work cases involving vulnerable children —both victims and offenders. That work is some of the toughest work an officer can do, but he did it because he believed each one deserved someone in their corner."

He added that Cousette's photo still hangs in the room where TPD officers gather before every shift, ensuring his service and ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten by the men and women wearing the same uniform he once did for 13 years.

"It will always remind us of who he was and what he gave to this job," Sanders said.

Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox also said in a statement following the verdict that Cousette chose courage, duty and fidelity to all.

"Throughout his life and his career, he chose hope," Maddox said. "In this moment, our city chooses hope, too. We will continue to honor his life and his sacrifice by supporting his family, standing with the men and women of TPD, and never losing sight of our commitment to the work of keeping our community safe. We are grateful to the jury for their service, and we will never forget Investigator Cousette and the love and hope that he poured into our community."

While city and law enforcement leaders praised the prosecution and Cousette's service, the verdict was not well-received by all, including Watkins' family.

Watkins' uncle, Marcus Collins, told Patch that there was an "injustice" committed after his nephew was found guilty of capital murder. Patch reported throughout the week that defense attorneys for Watkins contended he was defending himself and in fear for his life when he shot Cousette nearly point blank in the face after the investigator fired the first shot.

"While we respect the jurors and their conclusion, we still remain uplifted," he said. "The city of Tuscaloosa is split on the decision and there are a lot of different feelings out there as we get ready to go through the sentencing phase. We just mentally have to be prepared for another bad outcome."

Tuscaloosa NAACP Branch President Lisa Young told Patch there are "no winners" in such a tragic case.

"I’ve been monitoring the reactions on social media and they are understandably mixed, but this moment also reminds us of something critically important, the power of our vote," she said. "Our judges, our District Attorney, and those who help oversee the jury selection process are elected. That means the community has a direct voice in shaping the system that delivers justice. Voting is not optional, it is a necessity."

She then offered prayers for the families of both Cousette and Watkins.

"Both families are carrying an unimaginable weight today, and our community must move forward with compassion, responsibility and a commitment to civic engagement," she said.

Watkins is scheduled to return to court on Tuesday, where the jury will consider his sentencing, which includes the possibility of the death penalty.

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