After more than two years, an arrest has been made in the 2024 murder of Birmingham, Alabama man, Deundray Cottrell. According to WBRC, Birmingham Police Department arrested 33-year-old Julian Taylor Morris, from Georgia, in connection to the 2024 homicide of 31-year-old Deundray Cottrell.
On July 4, 2024, Cottrell was reported missing in the area where his family’s home was. Cottrell came to Birmingham from Atlanta to visit family. On July 5, Birmingham Police supervisors began searching the area.
Police soon discovered clothing items. Officials also received surveillance footage from a community member who believed that Cottrell was on the footage walking in the area. Based on the clothing items and the surveillance footage, officials were able to lock in on an area.
Police continued the search on July 6 and eventually found Cottrell’s body. He was found inside a shed in the At the time, police also said Morris was the last person to see/hear Cottrell alive. They believed the two might have been in a romantic relationship. Cottrell’s family also believed Morris to be a person of interest since Cottrell’s initial disappearance.
Police Make Arrest 2 Years After Murder Of Alabama Man Deundray Cottrell
More than two years later, on Monday (September 14), the U.S. Marshall’s in Miami, Florida made an arrest. Police took Morris, from Jonesboro, Georgia, into custody, charging him with m*rder. He was placed at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center until he can be extradited to Alabama.
Following the Morris’ arrest in Cottrell’s case, Birmingham Police Chief Michael Pickett said:
“This arrest, as well as the other arrest on cases from previous years, show how relentless our department is and how dedicated our officers are. We never stop working for justice. We will continue to pursue those responsible for violent crimes, no matter where they may run. We will continue to seek justice for Deundray Cottrell and his family and remain committed to holding those responsible accountable.”
Cottrell’s sister, Angelica Cottrell, told WBRC, “I’m speechless, but at the same time, I’m overjoyed, and just, I don’t know. I can’t even explain what I feel. To know that we finally reached this point.”
Back in 2024, Morris’ attorney, Victor Revill, claimed his client wanted answers just like Cottrell’s family.
“Mr. Morris is a college-educated veteran whom has served his country faithfully as a Marine. He has no prior misdemeanor or felony convictions. Despite the false narratives that are being promulgated about him in this situation, he loved Deundray Cottrell and is currently grieving the death of his loved one. Mr. Morris wants answers as well and is awaiting those answers after a full and thorough investigation has been completed. Under the advice of counsel, he will not be giving any further statements at this time.”
In response, former Birmingham Police officer Truman Fitzgerald said:
“Julian Morris was the last person to see and/or hear from Deundray Cottrell before his disappearance. He is currently a ‘person of interest’ in this investigation which means we believe he holds crucial information in this case. Julian Morris was seen by and spoke with BPD officers BEFORE Deundray’s body was discovered. Since Deundray Cottrell’s body was discovered, Julian Morris, his family, and his legal counsel have NOT spoken with BPD detectives. BPD respects Julian Morris’ wish to not provide a statement. We appreciate the community’s support for Deundray and his family as BPD Homicide detectives continue to pursue justice in the Deundray Cottrell Homicide Investigation.”
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