Alabama man charged with murder of Crossville woman

COLLINSVILLE, Ala. (WDEF) — An Alabama man has been arrested and charged with the murder of a woman in Collinsville, according to authorities.

The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office announced on Thursday they arrested 27-year-old James Michael Howard, Jr.

James Michael Howard Jr. DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies and Crossville Police officers responded to a home on County Road 221 on June 25 after getting calls of an unresponsive female. There, they found the woman dead from a gunshot wound, the sheriff’s office explained.

DeKalb County criminal investigators later identified Howard as the suspect and arrested him.

He faces charges of murder and public intoxication.

Authorities said neighbors encountered Howard shortly after law enforcement arrived at the scene.

“Thank you to the officers with Collinsville Police Department, Crossville Police Department, Jacksonville State Center for Applied Forensics, as well as the neighbors who alerted law enforcement, all of your help and information played a vital role in the quick apprehension of Howard,” said Sheriff Nick Welden. “This is such a tragic and senseless act of violence, and our thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of the victim.”