Tuscaloosa Mayor, DCH Health System CEO Issue Statements On Fatal Shooting

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox on Tuesday called for sweeping changes to Alabama’s mental health system and pledged additional local action following the fatal shooting of a DCH Health System nurse in the hospital parking lot Tuesday.

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As Patch reported on Wednesday, investigators revealed new details in the killing of 27-year-old Ada Chapman Doss, a DCH employee who police said was shot during an attempted robbery as she walked to her car during a shift change at DCH Regional Medical Center.

The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit said the suspect, 41-year-old Mathew James Taylor, was taken into custody shortly after the shooting — an incident investigators believe was a totally random act of violence.

Investigators also said Taylor had reportedly been dropped off at the hospital earlier in the day seeking help for a mental health issue but never entered the facility.

Tuscaloosa Police Chief Michael Baygents also described the killing as an extremely rare type of homicide for the city.

“This is an isolated incident,” Baygents said. “We don’t experience these very often. I was talking with command staff earlier today, and I cannot remember the last time we had something of this nature.”

Taylor has been charged with capital murder and jailed without bond.

“Ada devoted her life to caring for others, and she deserves to be remembered for the compassionate life she lived, not for the violence that took her from her family,” Maddox said in a statement to Patch. “But as we grieve alongside those who loved her, we must also confront the broader public safety issues this tragedy has brought into focus.”

Maddox praised the rapid response by the Tuscaloosa Police Department and University of Alabama Police Department, saying their “professionalism and courage” led to the suspect’s swift apprehension and prevented further loss of life.

The mayor also sharply criticized what he described as longstanding deficiencies within Alabama’s mental health system, specifically citing the lack of acute and long-term state-funded mental health beds.

“For decades the City of Tuscaloosa has called on the Alabama Department of Mental Health to address critical gaps in their system,” Maddox said. “The continued practice of transitioning individuals with serious mental illnesses into the community without adequate support, structure, or oversight has proven to be a failed experiment.”

Maddox said the city is immediately reaffirming expectations that Alabama Department of Mental Health-funded agencies notify law enforcement when patients pose a serious threat of violence.

He also announced that Lt. Craig Parker, commander of the city’s Behavioral Intervention Team, has been directed to develop a proposal outlining additional local resources the city could deploy to address gaps left by the state system.

“This plan will guide our efforts to strengthen protections for our schools, our neighborhoods, and every resident of our community,” Maddox said.

DCH CEO Issues Statement

In a separate statement, DCH Health System CEO Katrina Keefer said the hospital system continues to mourn Doss' death while supporting employees affected by the tragedy.

“Our DCH family is heartbroken over the loss of Ada Francis,” Keefer said. “Ada was a valued employee and beloved colleague whose compassion and dedication touched countless lives. We ask the community to continue praying for her family, friends and coworkers during this incredibly difficult time.”

Keefer also thanked first responders and law enforcement agencies for their actions during the incident and said counseling and support resources remain available for DCH employees and staff members impacted by the shooting.

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