A tragic shooting on Thursday night has left one man dead and another facing murder charges, according to the Decatur Police Department.
Jamar Garner, Decatur, AL
Around 6:30 p.m. on October 30, 2025, officers responded to reports of a shooting at the 5th Avenue Food Mart. When police arrived, they found Dontay Jamar Garner suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite immediate efforts to save his life, Morgan County Coroner Jeff Chunn pronounced Garner dead at the scene.
Following a swift investigation, detectives identified Xavier Rashawn Sutherlin as the suspect in the fatal shooting. Authorities say Sutherlin remained at the scene when officers arrived and was taken into custody without incident. He has been charged with Murder and booked into the Morgan County Jail, where he is currently being held without bond.
The Decatur Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Officials have not yet released details about what led to the deadly confrontation or whether the two men knew each other.
The loss of life has deeply shaken the Decatur community, as friends and family mourn the passing of Dontay Garner. Those who knew him describe him as a kind and loyal man whose smile could brighten any room.
Authorities are urging anyone with additional information about the shooting to contact the Decatur Police Department or Morgan County Crime Stoppers as the investigation continues.
This tragic incident serves as yet another reminder of the devastating toll gun violence continues to take on families and communities across Alabama.
