Jury Sentences Luther Watkins Jr. to Life Without Parole in Killing of Tuscaloosa Investigator Dornell Cousette
A 7–5 jury vote followed mitigation focused on Watkins’ youth, limited record.
Overview
- The sentence capped a weeklong trial that ended with a Feb. 13 capital murder conviction.
- Dornell Cousette, 40, was fatally shot on Sept. 16, 2019 while attempting to serve a warrant at a home on 33rd Avenue in West Tuscaloosa.
- Prosecutors said Watkins fled to avoid arrest and intentionally killed Cousette, while the defense argued he fired in self-defense.
- Sentencing testimony included victim-impact statements and pleas from Watkins’ family seeking life imprisonment instead of the death penalty.
- After the decision, the Tuscaloosa County District Attorney’s Office said the ruling closes a chapter and called for continued community reflection on justice and healing.