Crime
21-year-old Jeremiah Matkins arrested in connection to deadly Twin Peaks shooting
An arrest has been made following a deadly shooting at the Twin Peaks restaurant in Huntsville on Saturday night, according to officials.
The Huntsville Police Department confirmed that the incident, which took place just after 9:45 p.m., involved an off-duty officer who was providing security at the venue.
Huntsville Police Chief Kirk Giles reported that two groups began arguing at the popular University Drive restaurant before shots were fired. Emergency services responded immediately after receiving a 911 call.
The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has identified the suspect as 21-year-old Jeremiah Matkins of Huntsville.
According to officials, Matkins discharged a firearm, fatally wounding 23-year-old Ray’shun Markelle Bates of Decatur.
Matkins was subsequently arrested and charged with murder. He is currently being held at Madison County Jail on a $50,000 bond.
During the incident, the off-duty officer reportedly discharged his weapon; however, ALEA confirmed that no one was struck by the officer’s gunfire.
“During the altercation, some shots were exchanged,” Chief Giles stated. Witnesses at the scene recalled hearing four to five shots, with one victim appearing to be hit in the neck or upper chest.
Some attendees suggested that the argument may have stemmed from a college football game, although this has not been confirmed.
The Madison County Coroner, Dr. Tyler Berryhill, later confirmed that Bates had succumbed to his injuries on Sunday. An autopsy is scheduled for later this week in Huntsville.
Three additional people sustained injuries in the altercation and are still under evaluation.
The investigation has been handed over to ALEA’s State Bureau of Investigation for further examination.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.