Media Release 162- Deundray Cottrell Homicide Investigation
Deundray Cottrell Homicide Investigation
The Jefferson County Medical Examiner’s Office has ruled the manner of death in this investigation as Homicide.
The victim has been identified as:
Deundray Cottrell, (31), B/M, of Atlanta, Georgia.
Julian Taylor Morris is a Person of Interest in the Deundray Cottrell Homicide Investigation.
Anyone with information on the case, please contact B.P.D.’s Homicide Unit @ 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers @ 205-254-7777.
Crime Stoppers pays tipsters cash rewards of up to $5,000 for their tips.
This is Birmingham’s 72 murder investigation of 2024 with 8 justifiable death rulings.
The Birmingham Police Department adheres to FBI Uniform Crime Reporting guidelines for all law enforcement agencies across the United States. FBI Uniform Crime Reporting guidelines do not require law enforcement agencies to include justifiable death investigations in the total homicide investigations counts.
**The information is based on a preliminary and ongoing investigation, which continues to evolve as investigators interview witnesses, review physical and electronic records, and analyze forensic evidence. The Department’s understanding of the facts and circumstances may change as additional evidence is collected and analyzed**
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UPDATE: Deundray Cottrell Missing Person Investigation
(Media Release 161)
The Birmingham Police Department would like to provide an update on the Missing Person Investigation of Deundray Cottrell. The investigation was launched on Thursday, July 4, 2024.
Missing Person Investigation
On the evening of Thursday, July 4, 2024, East Precinct officers were dispatched to a Missing Person call at a residence in the 7900 Block of 4th Avenue South.
Officers arrived when they learned family members and loved ones couldn’t locate 31-year-old Deundray Cottrell. Deundray had been spending time with friends and family at his family member’s house. Family and friends stated Deundray was last seen that night on foot in the 7900 Block of 4th Avenue South.
Our patrol officers contacted Special Victims Unit detectives who launched a Missing Person investigation.
Search & Discovery
On Friday, July 5, 2024, East Precinct officers began searching the area where Deundray had last been seen. Officers recovered some of Deundray’s clothing in the area.
A community member provided our officers with surveillance footage of Deundray walking in the area.
On Saturday, July 6, 2024, East Precinct officers searched the area of 7800 Block of 5th Avenue South when they discovered Deundray’s body; Deundray was deceased.
Jefferson County Coroner’s Office personnel arrived and later notified Deundray’s family he had been found deceased. Details surrounding this investigation are suspicious.
The Jefferson County Medical Examiner’s Office will perform an autopsy on Deundray to determine the cause and manner of death.
Search for Julian Morris
BPD needs assistance locating Deundray’s romantic partner who may have last seen or heard from Deundray the evening of his disappearance. If seen, Dial 911.
Julian Taylor Morris
31 years old
B/M 5’6’’ 160 Pounds
Anyone with information on the case, please contact B.P.D.’s Homicide Unit @ 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers @ 205-254-7777.
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