DOTHAN ALABAMA, A murder investigation is underway in Dothan, Alabama, after a man was found shot dead inside a truck near a local hotel on Wednesday morning.
Coroner Robert Byrd identified the victim as 33-year-old Wesley Blake Bowen, a Dothan resident and graduate of Rehobeth High School.
According to Major Will Glover with the Dothan Police Department, Bowen’s body was discovered inside a truck that was partially submerged in a small body of water in front of the DoubleTree hotel along Ross Clark Circle. Emergency crews were required to remove the vehicle from the water before investigators could continue processing the scene.
Police said initial 911 calls came in around 9:55 a.m., reporting a vehicle located in a watery ditch near the hotel. Upon arrival, officers discovered Bowen deceased inside the truck.
Authorities confirmed they are actively searching for a suspect in connection with the case. A person of interest has been taken into custody, though police have not released further details at this time. Investigators have also circulated a possible photo related to the case as they work to determine the circumstances surrounding Bowen’s death.
The cause of death has not yet been released. Bowen’s body has been sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for an autopsy, which is expected to provide key information in the investigation.
As the case continues, family, friends, and community members are mourning the loss of Bowen, who was remembered as a beloved father, son, partner, friend, and colleague.
Two people were briefly detained near Bojangles but were later released after questioning. Another individual was possibly detained on Stonewood Drive off Fortner Street. Major Glover stated, “One person of interest has been detained, but no charges at this time.”
Police are urging anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Dothan Police Department as the investigation remains ongoing.
