BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — In the days after a man was found dead after going missing over the holiday weekend in Birmingham, an attorney for the man police believe may have information on his death is speaking out.
On the Fourth of July, the family of Deundray Cottrell reported him missing in the 7900 bock of 4th Avenue South. According to family, Cottrell had come down from Atlanta to spend the holiday with his family and friends, but could not be found later that night. The next day, police obtained footage of Cottrell, 31, walking in the area, later recovering some of his clothes.
On Saturday, Cottrell was found dead a block over in the 7800 block of 5th Avenue South. After the Jefferson County Coroner's Office ruled his death as a homicide, the Birmingham Police Department began investigating the murder, naming Julian Morris, Cottrell's partner, as a person of interest in the case, believing he may have "crucial information" in the case.
On Wednesday, the BPD confirmed that prior to the discovery of Cottrell's body, Morris had spoken with officers about the case. However, neither Morris or his family have spoken to police since then.
"BPD respects Julian Morris' wish to not provide a statement," the department responded in a statement. "We appreciate the community's support for Deundray and his family as BPD Homicide detectives continue to pursue justice in the Deundray Cottrell Homicide Investigation."
Following extensive media coverage of the case, especially in Georgia, where Morris and Cottrell lived, attorney Victor Revill has released a statement on Morris' behalf:
"Mr. Morris is a college-educated veteran whom has served his country faithfully as a Marine. He has no prior misdemeanor or felony convictions. Despite the false narratives that are being promulgated about him in this situation, he loved Deundray Cottrell and is currently grieving the death of his loved one. Mr. Morris wants answers as well and is awaiting those answers after a full and thorough investigation has been completed. Under the advice of counsel, he will not be giving any further statements at this time."
The case remains under investigation.