Dothan Man Charged with Manslaughter After Elderly Man Found Dead

(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

Willie Sam Wymes (57) of Dothan- Manslaughter

Several Charged with Drugs and Serial Thefts from Motor Vehicles After Operation

(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.

Marion Luke (18) of Dothan- 25 Counts of Unlawful Breaking & Entering a Motor Vehicle

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

Latanya Butts (47) of Dothan- Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance & Possession of Marijuana 2nd degree

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

Tavant Mobley (18) of Dothan- Possession of Marijuana 2nd 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 2nd 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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Woman Charged with Aggravated Child Abuse; Child in Serious Condition

(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

 

Selena Cheyanna Smith (24) of Dothan- Aggravated Child Abuse, No bond

Most Wanted of June 2025

1.) David Lashaun Flowers (45 years old)- Sex Offender Violation

Black Male- 6 foot 8 inches tall, 180 lbs, Black hair and brown eyes

 

On June 1, 2025, Flowers, who is required to register with the Dothan Police Department as required after a sex conviction, failed to register for the month of May as required by law.  Flowers’ location is currently unknown but last known to live in the area of Justice Court in Dothan.  Flowers is wanted for violation of the Alabama Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act, which is a Class C felony.

 

2.) Timothy Garrett Wells (33 years old)- Theft of Lost Property 3rd Degree

White Male- 6 foot 2 inches tall, 275 lbs., Black Hair and black eyes

 

On May 11, 2025, Wells sold a cell phone, valued at $700, to an Ecoatm at a retail store in the 2100 block of South Oates Street.  Wells was captured on video selling the item, which was left in a Lyft Ride service vehicle.  Wells’ location is unknown but was last living in Interlachan, Florida.  Wells is charged with Theft of Lost Property 3rd degree, which is a Class D Felony.

 

3.) Charles Tyrone Thomas (38 years old)- Domestic Violence 3rd Degree (Felony)

Black Female 5 foot 8 inches tall, 182 lbs., black hair and brown eyes

 

On May 26, 2025, Thomas grabbed the victim by the throat and shoved the victim during an argument.  Thomas has two previous convictions for Domestic Violence 3rd, which means this charge upgrades to a felony.  Thomas’ last known address was on Parker Street in Dothan.  Thomas has been charged with Domestic Violence 3rd degree, which is a Class C felony.

 

4.) Adrian Javarie Harris (19 years old)- Burglary 3rd Degree

Black Male 6 foot 0 inches tall, 173 lbs., black hair and brown eyes

 

On June 24, 2025, Harris unlawfully entered a residence in the 300 block of Webb Road by climbing through a window with the intent to steal items from the residence.  Harris stole various items from the home.  It was reported this may not be the only burglary committed by Harris.  Harris was last living on Sycamore Street in Dothan.  Harris has been charged with Burglary 3rd degree, which is a Class C felony.

 

 

5.) Justin Bryon Stroud (29 years old)- Assault 2nd degree

Black male 5 foot 7 inches tall, 153 lbs., black hair and brown eyes

 

On June 16, 2025, Stroud was involved in a verbal altercation with the victim.  During the argument, Stroud picked the victim up and threw them to the ground, which caused serious injuries to the victim’s leg.  While on the ground, Stroud then kicked the victim in the face resulting in broken bones.  Stroud’s last known address was on West Lafayette Street in Dothan.  Stroud was charged with Assault 2nd degree, which is a Class C felony.

Teen Defends Family Member from Domestic Violence: Shoots Offender

(DOTHAN, Ala.)

On June 30, 2025, just after 5:00 am, Dothan Police responded to reports of a person shot at an apartment in the 700 block of Alabama Avenue.  When officers arrived, they started life-saving measures on the male with a gunshot wound.  After a short period, it was determined the person who was shot was deceased.  The person was identified as Johnny Oliver (28) of Dothan.   A homicide investigation immediately began to determine the circumstances of the shooting.

During the investigation, it was revealed that Oliver was engaged in an assault on a person inside the apartment just prior to the shooting.  As Oliver continued to assault a female in the apartment, the firearm, brought by Oliver, was obtained by a juvenile under the age of 18.  After several demands by the juvenile to stop the assault, the juvenile fired a single round that struck Oliver in the upper torso.  The explanation of the shooting was corroborated by both witnesses on scene as well as video surveillance.

After consultation with the Houston/Henry County District Attorney, Russ Goodman, the case will be forwarded to his office for review.  Criminal charges are not expected at this time.  The belief among investigators and the District Attorney’s Office was that the juvenile was acting in defense of a person, which is a legal defense allowed by law.  The case will remain open until a final decision is made by the District Attorney’s Office.

 

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Narcotics Operations Takes More Drugs, Including Fentanyl, Off the Streets

On June 24, 2025, the Dothan Police Department Narcotics Division with the assistance of the Special Response Team executed a search warrant at a residence in the 700 block of West Newton Street.  This search warrant was granted due to an ongoing investigation into those possessing, distributing, and selling dangerous, illegal narcotics on the streets of the City of Dothan.  During the search, investigators seized approximately 17 grams of Fentanyl laced pills, 22 grams of cocaine, 53 grams of methamphetamine and MDMA (Ecstasy), 1 ounce of marijuana, 1.5 ounces of an unknown substance, and various other items used for the distribution, abuse, and sale of narcotics.  Investigators also seized three firearms, a stolen vehicle, and about $1,000 cash.  One of the firearms was also reported stolen.

Javon Antonio James (33) of Dothan was arrested and charged with Trafficking in Fentanyl, Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Unlawful Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana 1st degree, and Receiving Stolen Property 2nd degree (firearm).  More charges are possible for James.  All narcotics will be analyzed by the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences.

This seizure further demonstrates the Dothan Police Department’s commitment to getting these dangerous drugs off our streets.  Those who are selling, possessing, or distributing these dangerous drugs will be held accountable to the fullest extent allowed by law.

-Chief William E. Benny

Guns and Narcotics seized during operation
Javon Antonio James (33) of Dothan- Trafficking-Fentanyl, Trafficking-Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana 1st degree, and Receiving Stolen Property 2nd Degree.

Two People Arrested for Manslaughter-Fentanyl After 32-Year-Old Woman Dies

(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

George Lee Trierweiler (44) of Dothan- Manslaughter-Fentanyl
Mitchel Ryan Drew Folds (32) of Dothan- Manslaughter-Fentanyl and Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance
Madalynn Mae Bean (33) of Dothan- Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance

Person Shot on East Spring Street; Suspect in Custody

(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

Child Under the Age of 12 Struck By Gunfire After Dispute; One Suspect In Custody

(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 1st degree, Attempted Assault 1st 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

Octavenious Ramarrio Thomas (36) of Dothan- Assault 1st, Att. Assault 1st, and Shooting into Occupied Vehicle, $450,000 bond

Four Charged with Robbery After Stealing Money While Armed

(DOTHAN, Ala.) On May 26, 2025 at 6:00 pm, Dothan Police responded to reports of a robbery of a person in the 2900 block of Saint Peter Street near Ross Clark Circle.  It was reported to investigators, while the victim was visiting an acquaintance and seated in the vehicle, a person entered the passenger side of the vehicle.  The suspect pulled a firearm and demanded property.  During the robbery, it was reported three other individuals came from a residence in the 2900 block of Saint Peter Street to aid in the robbery also armed with firearms.  After the robbery, the four suspects went into a residence.  Due to the quick response from patrol officers, the residence was surrounded.  Once people were removed from the residence, the four suspects were identified as Malachi Ray (19) of Columbia, AL, Dallas Porter (18) of Dothan, Camron Jackson of Dothan, and a juvenile under the age of 18 years old.

All suspects were charged with robbery 1st degree and placed in the Houston County Jail.  The juvenile, due to the nature and seriousness of the charge, is being charged as an adult.  However, Alabama privacy laws prevent the identification of the juvenile.  This dangerous conduct will have serious consequences.  People who commit this type of crime will be found and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

-Chief Will Benny

Malachi Jamel Ray (19) of Columbia, AL- Robbery 1st Degree, $60,000 bond
Dallas Bryce Porter (18) of Dothan- Robbery 1st Degree, $60,000 bond
Camron Deveon Jackson (18) of Dothan- Robbery 1st Degree, $60,000 bond
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