Press Release

Murder Arrest

On July 7, 2016, after nearly a year long investigation the Demopolis Police Department Criminal Investigations Division has made an arrest in the Unsolved Murder that occurred back on October 30, 2015 that killed Ray Anthony Rowser and injured Jennifer Martin.

Demopolis Police Chief Tommie Reese said that Lawrence Hawkins, B/M, age 41, of Demopolis, Alabama was arrested in connection with the murder. Chief Reese says that this investigation is not over with this suspect's arrest but his Criminal Investigators will continue working until we are satisfied that we have done all we can do to bring everyone that might be involved to justice.

Reese gave thanks to the DPD Criminal Investigations Division for not giving up on this case and also thanks to District Attorney Greg Griggers and his Task Force for their assistance. 

Anyone with information is still asked to call the Demopolis Police Department at 334-289-3073 or TIPLINE 334-289-1475.

BACKGROUND ON CASE

On October 30, 2015, at approximately 10:10 pm, Demopolis Police Chief Tommie Reese said that our Police Officers responded to 512 Blacks Drive reference to two people being shot. Upon patrol officers arrived, they located a black male adult who was suffering from a gunshot wound. AmStar EMS provided immediate medical aid to the victim. The victim was transported to Bryan Whitfield ER where he succumbed to his injuries.

Chief Tommie Reese said that Ray Anthony Rowser aged 37, died as a result of a gunshot wound. He also stated that the second victim, Jennifer Martin was transported by a private owned vehicle to the ER where she was treated for a gunshot wound and was released.