Category: Press Releases

(DOTHAN, Ala.) – On July 21, 2025 around 12:00 pm, Dothan Police and Dothan Fire Department Paramedics responded to a medical incident in the 700 block of Shirley Street.  When first responders arrived on scene, they located a male deceased in the residence. The victim was identified as James Edward Jackson (70).  As officers were in the residence, they noticed the disarray of the residence.  It was clear, after an inspection of the victim, that he had not been properly cared for by his caretaker, identified as Willie Sam Wymes (59) of Dothan.  The victim had obvious signs of neglect, which prompted an investigation.

Investigators noted that statements given by Wymes about caring for Jackson as well as the timeline around when Jackson was found were inconsistent or easily disproved.  The appearance of the residence, obvious signs of neglect, and inconsistent statements given by Wymes led to him being charged with Manslaughter in Jackson’s death.

Individuals caring for elderly individuals have a responsibility to provide necessary food, shelter, and medical care when needed.  The inaction of Wymes in caring for Jackson made this charge appropriate.  Wymes has been charged with Manslaughter and taken to the Houston County Jail.  This is an ongoing investigation.

-Chief William E. Benny

(DOTHAN, Ala.) Over the past week, several reports were forwarded to the Dothan Police Department regarding individuals unlawfully entering motor vehicles with the intent to steal items left in unlocked vehicles.  Individuals would pull on door handles and, after finding an unlocked vehicle, would enter to steal various items, including firearms.  Several leads were developed during the investigation.  Those leads led investigators to obtain a search warrant for a residence in the 2800 block of Nottingham Way in Dothan as well as addresses outside the City of Dothan.

After the successful operation by investigators and the Special Response Team, the suspects believed to be responsible for the numerous vehicle break-ins and drugs were found.  Investigators detained three adults and three juveniles.  The investigation resulted in 70 total charges of these six individuals and the closure of several open investigations.  More charges are possible.

Marion Omri Sylvester Luke (18) was arrested and charged with 25 counts of Unlawful Breaking and Entering a Motor Vehicle.

Latanya Butts (47) was charged with Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Marijuana 2^nd degree.

Tavant Latrell Mobley (18) was charged with Possession of Marijuana 2^nd degree.

Juvenile 1 was charged with 25 counts of Unlawful Breaking and Entering a Motor Vehicle.

Juvenile 2 was charged with 16 counts of Unlawful Breaking and Entering a Motor Vehicle.

Juvenile 3 was charged with Possession of Marijuana 2^nd degree.

Due to Alabama juvenile privacy laws, the juveniles cannot be identified, and no further information can be released about them.  The investigation is still ongoing.  The type of behavior these individuals have been charged with will be prosecuted to the fullest extent allowed by law. Investigators will continue to work diligently to find the truth and property taken during these crimes.

-Chief William E. Benny

 

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(DOTHAN, Ala.)  On July 9, 2025, at about 1:30 am, Dothan Police Officers were notified by a local hospital that a child under the age of 5 was being prepared for surgery with suspicious injuries.  The healthcare worker informed officers that the child had bruises over most of their body and significant bruising on the child’s face.  Initially, the suspect identified as Selena Cheyanna Smith (24) of Dothan, claimed the child was running around the residence on Jimmie Lane, fell, and struck the side of their head on a table.  The injuries, according to healthcare workers and investigators, did not match the story given.  An investigation was launched to determine the circumstances.

Shortly after the investigation began, Smith admitted to causing the injuries.  According to investigators, Smith was attempting to discipline the child, grew frustrated, and threw the child to the ground where the child struck their head on the floor.  The incident caused the child’s brain to swell from the blunt trauma, which was life-threatening.  The child has since been transferred to a different hospital for further treatment.  The child is listed in serious but stable condition.  Smith has been charged with one count of Aggravated Child Abuse in Dale County.  Smith was transported to the Dale County Jail and being held without bond.

-Chief William E. Benny

 

(DOTHAN, Ala.) On June 20, 2025, around 4:30 pm, Dothan Police and Dothan Fire Department Paramedics responded to a medical call at a trailer park in the 2200 block of South Oates Street.  According to the caller, the victim, identified as Torie Lynn Strickland (32) of Dothan, was unresponsive outside the mobile home.  Dothan Police Officers immediately started life-saving measures when they arrived on scene, which included the administration of Narcan.  Strickland was transported to a local hospital where she continued to receive treatment.  Sadly, Strickland passed away in the hospital on June 23, 2025.  Evidence on the scene led officers and investigators to determine it was likely a drug overdose.  Strickland’s body will be transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for an autopsy.

The joint investigation with Houston County Sheriff’s Office into Strickland’s death revealed that George Trierweiler (44) of Dothan and Mitchel Folds (32) of Dothan supplied Strickland with Fentanyl, which ultimately caused her death.  Trierweiler and Folds have been charged with Manslaughter-Fentanyl and placed in the Houston County Jail.

The new law, which was signed by Governor Ivey in 2024, makes it a criminal offense to knowingly furnish a substance known to contain fentanyl to someone who dies as a proximate result of the use of the substance.  The goal of the law was to hold those accountable for distributing this dangerous substance in our community.  The possession and distribution of this dangerous drug will not be overlooked in the City of Dothan, and the Dothan Police Department will vigorously support prosecutions for those involved in possessing or dealing fentanyl.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Strickland’s family and friends as they mourn this terrible tragedy.

Folds and Madalynn Mae Bean (33) of Dothan were also charged with Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance by the Alabama Drug Enforcement Task Force following a search of the residence.  The Dothan Police Department thanks the Houston County Sheriff’s Office and the Alabama Drug Enforcement Task Force Division B for their assistance in this investigation.

-Chief William E. Benny

(DOTHAN, Ala.) On June 17, 2025, just after 1:00 pm, Dothan Police Officers responded to the 400 block of East Spring Street to reports of a victim suffering from a gunshot wound.  Officers arrived on scene and found the victim deceased from a single gunshot wound.  Investigators immediately began forensically processing the scene and attempting to locate the suspect, who had fled the scene after the shooting.  The victim was identified as Brittney Alise Henderson (39) of Dothan.  The suspect, Vincent Phillips (22) of Dothan, has been arrested and charged with Capital Murder and being held without bond.

According to the preliminary investigation, Henderson was on her back porch when approached by the suspect, who only knew Henderson as a neighbor.  There was a very brief interaction when the suspect drew a firearm and pointed it at Henderson.  The suspect then fired one round killing Henderson.  At this point, there are several avenues of investigation that need to take place.  In the coming days, investigators will continue to pursue leads in determining the motivation for this terrible act of violence.

The Dothan Police Department wants to thank the community for their assistance and support during the early stages of this investigation.  Investigators will work tirelessly to determine all the circumstances surrounding this crime.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Brittney Henderson as they grieve this devastating loss.  If anyone has any information that could help in this investigation, they are encouraged to contact the Dothan Police Department at 334-615-3632 or 334-793-0215.

-Chief William E. Benny

(DOTHAN, Ala.) On May 27, 2025, just after 5:00 pm, Dothan Police Communications Center received a call from a local hospital of a juvenile under the age of 12 being treated for a suspected gunshot wound in the lower body.  As officers were responding to the hospital, it was reported the gunfire occurred on Kristie Road in Dothan.  Officers responded to the area of Kristie Road to attempt to locate the crime scene.  After an investigation, investigators were able to locate and charge Octavenious Thomas (36) of Dothan with Assault 1^st degree, Attempted Assault 1^st Degree, and Shooting into an Occupied Vehicle.  Thomas was placed in the Houston County Jail with bonds totaling $450,000.

The investigation found that two adult males were involved in a verbal altercation on Kristie Road.  One of the males was Octavenious Thomas.  The verbal altercation became physical and, as the male and the juvenile were in their vehicle leaving the scene, Thomas and another individual began shooting at the vehicle.  The juvenile, who was not involved in the altercations, was struck twice, once in the lower body and a graze wound to the lower body.  The juvenile was treated at a local hospital with non-life threatening wounds.  Thomas was apprehended soon after the call was received and charged with the shooting.  More arrests are possible.

This kind of indiscriminate violence will not be tolerated in the City of Dothan.  Dangerous actions like these will have serious consequences.  We are committed to working with the Houston/Henry County District Attorney’s Office to help prosecute individuals involved in violent crimes to the maximum extent allowed by law.  We want to thank the members of the community who provided information during the investigation.

-Chief Will Benny