(DOTHAN, Ala.) On August 20, 2026, Dothan Animal Services Division received a call about a smell coming from an animal grooming business. As Animal Services Officers approached the business in the 3700 block of Ross Clark Circle, they could smell the odor that led them to believe there were animals deceased inside. There have been complaints about the odor from surrounding businesses. Once inside the business, Animal Services Officers found several cats that were deceased. Other animals were found alive in enclosures inside the business. It was clear the animals had been left unattended for about a month.
Investigators were called to the scene and quickly found the business had not had active utilities since June. Several surrounding businesses said the owner, Brandi Leann Tyrrell (41) of Midland City, had not been seen for at least three weeks prior to authorities arriving on August 20th.
As a result of the investigation, Tyrrell has been charged with two felony counts of Cruelty to a Cat 1st degree and six counts of Cruelty to Animals. If you have any information about Tyrrell’s location, please contact the Dothan Police Department at 334-793-0215 or Central Alabama Crimestoppers at 334-215-STOP. Tips can be submitted anonymously at P3TIPS.com.
Brandi Leann Tyrrell (41) of Midland City- Active Warrants for two counts of Cruelty to a Cat 1st degree and six counts of Cruelty to Animals
(DOTHAN, Ala.) On June 4, 2026, the Dothan Police Department, in partnership as a member of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children of images and videos being shared depicting child sexual abuse material. Preliminary information on the tip suggested the account linked to the images and videos was in Dothan. The Special Investigations Unit began sending legal processes to identify the owner of the data sharing account.
Investigators identified Taylor Andrew Prescott (22) as the owner of the accounts, and the images were possessed in Dothan. Prescott was charged with one count of Transmitting Obscene Material to a Child, 34 counts of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material, and one count of Production of Child Sexual Abuse Material. Prescott left Dothan prior to warrants being issued. Prescott was apprehended in Ocala, FL on August 18, 2026, by the United States Marshal Service Fugitive Task Force. Prescott was found in possession of a firearm and an undetermined amount of fentanyl. Once released from charges in Florida, Prescott will be extradited to Alabama and be booked into the Houston County Jail.
-Chief William E. Benny
Taylor Andrew Prescott- One count Dissemination of CSAM, 34 counts of Possession of CSAM, and one count Production of CSAM, $600,000 bonds
(DOTHAN, Ala.) On July 29, 2026, the Dothan Police Department was notified that a suspect wanted for Kidnapping of a Minor and Probation Revocation charges from Orlando, FL was possibly in the Dothan area. Orlando Police Investigators also relayed that there was an emergency pick-up order for a child under 10 years old out of Orange County, Florida that was currently with the suspect. The suspect was identified as Jenay Dominique Burns (38). Florida authorities used License Plate Readers (LPR) to confirm the vehicle was near the Dothan area.
Investigators with Dothan Police Department and Houston County Sheriff’s Office assigned to the United States Marshal Service Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force immediately began following leads and utilizing all available technology in order to assist in locating Burns and the child.
With the description of the vehicle and photos from the LPRs, Dothan Police Drone Operators utilized drones to locate the vehicle on West Main Street. The vehicle was described as a red Nissan Rogue with a Florida Tag.
Based on that information, investigators were able to locate and stop the vehicle near the intersection of U.S. 231 South and Highway 109 just south of Dothan. Burns was taken into custody without incident. Burns was transported to the Houston County Jail to await extradition back to Florida. The missing child was found in the vehicle and taken into the custody of the Department of Human Resources. DHR will facilitate the return of the child to family members in Florida.
The Dothan Police Department would like to thank the Houston County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Marshal Service for their assistance in getting Burns into custody and starting a path to reuniting this child with her family in Florida. This case was a great example of how layers of technology, good police work, and interagency cooperation can help lead to successful resolutions of potentially dangerous situations.
-Chief William E. Benny
Jenay Dominique Burns (38)- Out of State WarrantsPhoto of Nissan Rogue in DothanDrone Image of Vehicle
(DOTHAN, Ala.) On July 27, 2026, just before 2:00 pm, the Dothan Police Department was called to a residence in the 2600 block of Evans Drive for a medical call. The caller told dispatch he was checking on family members who had not been heard from for some time and found two individuals in the living room of the home. It was obvious the two individuals were deceased as they were both in an advanced state of decomposition, which makes identification and cause of death impossible to determine without an autopsy.
Due to the circumstances, criminal investigators and forensic services personnel were called to the scene. According to investigators, the residence had been without active utilities or active running water for over a month. While it is unusual to find two deceased bodies in a residence in Dothan, investigators noted there were no obvious signs of violence in the home and no signs of forced entry. As is standard with all suspicious deaths, both bodies have been sent to Montgomery for an autopsy and positive identification.
Investigators will continue to follow the leads on the case until autopsy results are complete. There is no ongoing danger to the community. We will update the case as more information becomes available.
(DOTHAN, Ala.) On June 20, 2026, the Dothan Police Department was notified of a potential crime involving a child less than 12 years old. According to complaints, the child told their parent that the suspect, Desmi Archimedes-Martinez Flowers (29) of Dothan, had inappropriate sexual contact with her about a year prior. Investigators immediately began looking into the case.
Through the help of the Southeast Alabama Child Advocacy Center, the victim disclosed that, between October 2024 and January 2025, Flowers had sexual contact with the child on several occasions. The abuse stopped in January 2025 when Flowers was asked to leave because of inappropriate conduct with the child.
Flowers has been charged with two counts of Sexual Abuse of a Child less than 12 years old, two counts of Sexual Torture, and three counts of Sodomy 1st degree. Flowers was booked into the Houston County Jail where he is being held without bond. More charges are possible as the investigation remains ongoing.
-Chief William E. Benny
Desmi Archimedes-Martinez Flowers (29) of Dothan- Two counts Sexual Abuse of a Child Less than 12, two counts Sexual Torture, and three counts of Sodomy 1st degree, no bond
(DOTHAN, Ala.) On July 17, 2026, just after 4:00 am, the Dothan Police Department responded to a pedestrian struck by a vehicle in the 600 Block of Ross Clark Circle. The victim, identified as Quinteria Reaves (29) of Dothan, was crossing Ross Clark Circle when she was struck by a passing vehicle. Despite life-saving measures by first responders, Reaves was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Dothan Police Department CRASH Team is conducting an investigation into the circumstances of the crash. Our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of Ms. Reaves as they go through this difficult time.
(DOTHAN, Ala.) On July 16, 2026, just after 1:00 pm, the Dothan Police Department responded to reports of a person shot in the 700 block of Monroe Street. The person reporting told emergency dispatchers gunshots were heard, and a vehicle crashed nearby. Officer arrived on scene and found one victim suffering gunshot wounds in the vehicle. Emergency medical aid was provided by officers and Dothan Fire Department paramedics on scene. It was discovered the victim was trying to drive himself to the hospital after being shot. The victim had at least one gunshot wound and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. As first responders were treating the victim on Monroe Street, another call came from a local hospital that another victim arrived with gunshot wounds transported by private vehicle.
According to the early stages of the investigation, both victims met with another group of individuals to discuss a drug transaction. An argument over the previous drug transaction escalated to a physical altercation. While two parties were fighting, a different individual pulled out a firearm and began shooting. While investigators were able to speak to one victim, the other victim was rushed to surgery and was unable to provide details. This victim is listed in stable but critical condition.
This is an active and ongoing investigation. Investigators continue to follow leads, interview witnesses, and collect evidence. Several witnesses have not cooperated with investigators. Anyone with any information about this case should call the Dothan Police Department at 334-793-0215. Witnesses wishing to remain anonymous can contact Central Alabama Crimestoppers at 334-215-STOP or online at P3TIPS.com.
(DOTHAN, Ala.) On Saturday, July 4, 2026, at approximately 2:30 a.m., officers with the Dothan Police Department and personnel from Dothan Fire and Rescue responded to a report of a shooting in the 800 block of Hutchins Street.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the upper torso. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he remained in critical condition.
The victim has been identified as Ja’Marion Rashawn Snell, 18, of Dothan. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Snell succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
On July 15, 2026, a second suspect, Jovontae Eldwon Lacey (20) of Dothan, was arrested and charged with Murder in the July 4th murder of Ja’Marion Snell. Lacey was booked into the Houston County Jail and held without bond. A search warrant was executed in the early morning hours of July 16, 2026, at a residence in the 1700 block of South Saint Andrews Street. During the search warrant, a third suspect, Nazier Shamon Beachum (21), was located and arrested. Beachum has been charged with Murder and is being held without bond.
This investigation remains active and ongoing. Several search warrants have already been executed relating to the case and more search warrants are possible. Detectives continue to actively pursue all investigative leads, conduct interviews, and analyze evidence to identify those responsible. The Dothan Police Department remains committed to bringing those responsible to justice and providing answers to Mr. Snell’s family.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Dothan Police Department at (334) 615-3000 or provide information anonymously through CrimeStoppers at (334) 215-STOP.
-Chief William E. Benny
Jovontae Eldwon Lacey (20) of Dothan- Murder, no bondNazier Shamon Beachum (21) of Dothan- Murder, no bond
(DOTHAN, Ala.) On Saturday, July 4, 2026, at approximately 2:30 a.m., officers with the Dothan Police Department and personnel from Dothan Fire and Rescue responded to a report of a shooting in the 800 block of Hutchins Street.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the upper torso. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he remained in critical condition.
The victim has been identified as Ja’Marion Rashawn Snell, 18, of Dothan. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Snell succumbed to his injuries on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
On July 14, 2026, Avaughn Ahmad Brown (18) of Montgomery was taken into custody in Montgomery by Dothan Police Investigators along with Task Force Members from the United States Marshal Service Gulf Coast Regional Violent Fugitive Task Force. Brown was arrested and charged with Murder for the July 4th shooting of Ja’Marion Snell. Brown will be transported back to Dothan and be booked into the Houston County Jail. Brown will be held without bond. Brown was on bond for Attempted Assault 1st degree for a shooting in March.
This investigation remains active and ongoing. More arrests are possible as the investigation continues. Detectives continue to actively pursue all investigative leads, conduct interviews, and analyze evidence to identify those responsible. The Dothan Police Department remains committed to bringing those responsible to justice and providing answers to Mr. Snell’s family.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Dothan Police Department at (334) 615-3000 or provide information anonymously through CrimeStoppers at (334) 215-STOP.
-Chief William E. Benny
Avaughn Ahmad Brown (18) of Montgomery- Murder, No bond
(DOTHAN, Ala.) The Dothan Police Department has now arrested an additional individual following an extensive investigation into a shooting that occurred at Wiregrass Commons Mall, located at 900 Commons Drive, on Friday, July 3, 2026.
At approximately 6:30 p.m. on July 3, multiple calls were received reporting gunfire at the mall. Officers from the Dothan Police Department, along with Houston County Sherriff’s Department and ALEA Troopers, responded immediately and conducted a systematic search of the property to locate victims, suspects, witnesses, and evidence.
Fortunately, no one was injured during the incident. However, the mall building and two unoccupied vehicles were struck by gunfire.
Investigators with the Dothan Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division, VICE/GUN Unit, and Crime Scene Unit immediately began processing the scene, collecting evidence, reviewing surveillance footage, and interviewing witnesses. Through their investigation, detectives determined the shooting stemmed from a confrontation between two groups outside the mall that escalated into an exchange of gunfire.
As the investigation progressed, investigators identified the individuals believed to be responsible and obtained search warrants for residences in the 1900 block of Honeysuckle Road in Dothan and the 400 block of Beaver Run Circle in Headland.
During the execution of those search warrants, investigators recovered multiple firearms along with additional evidence connected to the shooting. The following individuals were taken into custody late Wednesday night, July 8, 2026, and are currently being held without bond:
Zakyih Ty’Juan Vickers, 18, of Dothan
Alfonso Collins Adams Jr., 19, of Headland
E’Quaviaun Demonte Horne, 18, of Dothan
UPDATE:
An additional suspect, Tyzarious Dashawn Carroll, (20), of Dothan has now been charged with the same four charges as the previous three suspects. Carroll was booked into the Houston County Jail late Thursday afternoon, July 9, 2026, around 2:30 p.m. after being taken into custody in the 1600 block of South Alice Street in Dothan. He was no bond.
Each has been charged with:
One (1) count of Discharging a Firearm into an Occupied Building
Two (2) counts of Discharging a Firearm into an Unoccupied Vehicle
One (1) count of Attempted Assault, First Degree
The investigation remains active, and additional arrests are possible.
The swift identification and arrest of those responsible is the direct result of the relentless work of our patrol officers, investigators, crime scene personnel, and specialized units. Acts of violence that place innocent members of our community at risk will not be tolerated. We remain committed to aggressively investigating violent crime, holding offenders accountable, and continuing our efforts to make Dothan a safer community.
Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Dothan Police Department at (334) 615-3000 or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
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