Authorities have found the body of a PhD student who was reported missing. As the investigation into his death continues, the victim’s boyfriend has been identified as a person of interest.
On July 6, the lifeless body of Deundray Cottrell, a 31-year-old man, was discovered. He had been last seen attending a Fourth of July celebration at his sister’s residence in Birmingham, Alabama.
According to WVTM, he was found in a shed located two blocks away from his sister’s house when his shoe was seen outside.
The Jefferson County Medical Examiner’s Office has labeled Cottrell’s death as a homicide, but so far, no arrests have been made in connection to the case.
According to a news release, the Birmingham Police Department has identified Julian Taylor Morris, 31, as a person of interest in the investigation and is currently attempting to locate him. The two individuals involved were thought to be in a romantic relationship.
According to Angelica Cottrell, the sister of the victim, her brother and Morris had made a trip from Atlanta, Georgia to Birmingham to spend the Fourth of July with their family, as reported by WSB-TV.
Ms. Cottrell shared that her children began lighting fireworks and, as her brother had his dog with him, he quickly ran into the house to check on the pet.
Morris was the one who informed her that her brother had gone missing, according to her.
According to reports, Morris informed Angelica that her brother had leaped off the patio balcony before hastily making his exit.
When the family started searching for him, they noticed that Morris was exhibiting peculiar behavior.
According to the TV station, the speaker mentioned that while everyone was searching, Julian was not. Instead, he had fixed himself a plate of food and was enjoying it. The speaker recounted how Julian looked at her and exclaimed, “OMG, the food is so good.”
On July 4th, authorities from the Birmingham Police Department received a call regarding a missing person at a property located on the 7900 Block of 4th Avenue South. Police officers were dispatched to the residence to investigate the case.
Police found some of Cottrell’s clothing in the area on July 5th, and a neighbor furnished officers with surveillance footage of him.
The next day, Cottrell’s body was found by the officers. The Birmingham police stated that the investigation into the incident is suspicious.
The victim’s brother, Tim Cottrell, expressed his hurt and disappointment upon discovering that Morris had been identified as a person of interest. He shared that the experience was particularly painful for his mother, who had to confront her son’s killer face-to-face.
If you have any information regarding the case, please do not hesitate to contact the Birmingham PD’s homicide unit at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. You may be eligible for a cash reward of $5,000 for any valuable tips provided.
