Executive Summary
- The same jury that convicted Luther Watkins Jr. of capital murder is now hearing testimony to decide his sentence: death or life without parole.
- Prosecutors argued that the killing of a law enforcement officer warrants the death penalty due to the victim’s role in public safety.
- Defense attorneys and family members, including Watkins’ uncle, pleaded for mercy, citing the defendant’s youth and exposure to a criminal environment.
- Sentencing deliberations are expected to begin Thursday after final testimony and closing arguments.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The sentencing phase for Luther Watkins Jr., who was convicted last week of capital murder in the 2019 death of Tuscaloosa Police Investigator Dornell Cousette, commenced Tuesday at the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse. A jury of 12 individuals heard testimony from 10 witnesses as they began the process of determining whether the 26-year-old will be sentenced to death or life in prison without the possibility of parole.
According to court reports, proceedings resumed Tuesday following the President’s Day holiday in the courtroom of retired Circuit Judge Brad Almond. Lead prosecutor Paula Whitley-Abernathy opened the state’s arguments by urging the jury to prioritize the application of the law over emotion. Whitley-Abernathy argued that the killing of Investigator Cousette constitutes “the worst of the worst” due to his role in law enforcement and the ultimate sacrifice he made for community safety. The state called five witnesses, including colleagues and family members, who testified to Cousette’s service as a school resource officer and his dedication to juvenile justice.
Defense attorney Justin Forrester presented an opposing argument, requesting mercy for Watkins. Forrester emphasized Watkins’ age at the time of the crime—20 years old—and described him as a “wayward youth” influenced by a difficult environment. The defense introduced testimony from five individuals, including Watkins’ mother, Tiffany Collins, and his former principal, Linda Harper. Harper described Watkins as a respectful student with potential in robotics, noting he had previously led a team to place second in a university competition before disciplinary issues derailed his academic path.
Significant testimony was provided by Watkins’ uncle, Marcus Collins, who appeared in court despite having active warrants for his arrest. In an emotional statement, Collins admitted to exposing his nephew to drugs, alcohol, and criminal behavior during Watkins’ adolescence. “He’s collateral damage,” Collins testified, accepting responsibility for being a negative influence. “Without my influence, he would have been a robotics engineer or a soldier.” The defense argued that life in prison would allow Watkins to reflect on his actions as he matures, rather than facing state execution.
The jury is scheduled to reconvene on Thursday morning to hear the final defense witness and closing arguments before beginning deliberations. It is important to note that while Watkins has been convicted, all other individuals mentioned regarding separate legal matters are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Judicial Process
The sentencing phase in a capital murder trial operates as a distinct legal proceeding separate from the determination of guilt. Under Alabama judicial procedures, the jury is tasked with weighing statutory aggravating circumstances against mitigating factors presented by the defense. This bifurcation ensures that the severity of the punishment—specifically the imposition of the death penalty versus life without parole—is considered through a rigorous evaluation of the defendant’s background and the specific nature of the offense, independent of the initial conviction.
