9:55 PM. Murder Suspect Served Federal Time

by Rickey Stokes | Jan 30, 2026 | Breaking News

FEDERAL CONVICTION FROM 2021 ON MURDER SUSPECT TODAY

Montgomery, Ala. – Today, Acting United States Attorney Sandra J. Stewart announced that three Dothan, Alabama residents have been sentenced for their roles in stealing guns from licensed firearms dealers. On July 8, 2021, 19-year-old Michael T. Taylor was sentenced to 26 months in prison. Previously, on June 9, 2021, 20-year old Jamir Y. Baxter was sentenced to 36 months and, lastly, on May 12, 2021, 21-year old Michaela R. White, was sentenced to 36 months imprisonment. Following each of their prison sentences, they will serve three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

According to court records, on August 6, 2019, Baxter, acting alone, burglarized Performance Machine Works in Dothan, Alabama and stole five firearms, including a Glock, model 27, .40 caliber pistol; a Glock, model 20, 10mm pistol; a Glock, model 48, 9mm pistol; an FN, model 509T, 9mmm pistol; and, a Remington, model 1911 R1, .45 caliber pistol. Then, on September 6, 2019, Baxter, Taylor, and White all conspired to burglarize The Outpost, a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) in Dothan, Alabama, in order to steal guns. They made entry into the building by using hand tools to remove material and breach the business’ back wall to avoid setting off the alarm. A total of nine firearms were taken from The Outpost, including a BCM, model BCM4, 5.56 mm rifle; a Caracal, model F, 9mm pistol; an I.O. Inc., model BSR-74, 5.45mm rifle; a Kel-Tec, model P11, 9mm pistol; a Romarm/Cugir, model WASR-10, 7.62mm rifle; a Romarm/Cugir, model WASR-10UF, 7.62mm rifle; a Taurus, model 24/7 G2, 9mm pistol; and, two (2) Taurus, model G2C, 9mm pistols.

The three defendants were indicted for unlawfully taking firearms from a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL) and conspiracy to steal from an FFL in connection with the September 6, 2019 burglary. Baxter was indicted on an additional charge of stealing from an FFL for the August 6, 2019 gun thefts. All three pleaded guilty to the charges contained in the indictment.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Dothan Police Department, and the Houston County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Eric M. Counts prosecuted the case.

Updated July 13, 2021

8:30 PM. Dothan Police Press Statement On Murder

by Rickey Stokes | Jan 30, 2026 | Breaking News

Man Killed in Suspected Robbery; Suspect Charged with Capital Murder

(DOTHAN, Ala.) On January 30, 2026, just before 10:00 am, the Dothan Communications Center received several reports of a vehicle crash into a retention pond in the 2700 block of Ross Clark Circle. When first responders arrived, they immediately attempted to check on the person in the vehicle that was now submerged in the pond. It was apparent soon after contact the victim was deceased. A closer inspection of the victim revealed a fatal gunshot wound. While stabilizing the scene, several witnesses reported a black male running away from the scene. As investigators worked to determine the details, the Dothan Police Department was actively searching the area for someone matching the suspect’s description. The victim, identified as Wesley Blake Bowen (33) of Dothan, was pronounced dead at the scene.

As officers were canvassing the area, officers came into contact with a black male on Stonewood Drive behind Farrah Circle that matched the description obtained from witnesses and surveillance in the area. The suspect was identified as Michael Tywuan Taylor (24) of Ozark, AL. Officers and investigators located a jacket and a handgun near where the suspect was located.

According to the preliminary investigation, Bowen and the suspect were en route to an unknown location with Bowen driving his vehicle. At some point, the suspect pulled out a firearm in a suspected robbery and shot Bowen. With Bowen incapacitated, the vehicle lost control and drove into a retention pond in the 2700 block of Ross Clark Circle. The suspect has been charged with one count of Capital Murder-Robbery and is being held without bond. We want to thank the many members of the community who gave information that assisted in the capture of this individual.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Bowen’s family and friends as they grieve. If anyone has any information about this case, they are encouraged to call the Dothan Police Department at 334-615-3632, Central Alabama Crimestoppers at 334-215-STOP, or give a tip anonymously online at P3TIPS.com.

-Chief William E. Benny

4:36 PM Ozark Man Faces 20 New Child Porn Charges

by Raven | Jan 30, 2026 | Breaking News

DOTHAN | RICKEY STOKES NEWS

An Ozark man is back behind bars after investigators say they uncovered thousands of graphic images involving children on his cellphone.

Jail records show 85-year-old Ross Blanchard was arrested Thursday and charged with 20 counts of possession of child pornography.

Blanchard was previously arrested in April 2025 on one count of possession of child pornography. He was out on bond at the time of his latest arrest.

According to Dale County Sheriff Mason Bynum, investigators continued their investigation following the April arrest and later discovered more than 2,000 illegal pornographic images depicting children engaged in sexual acts on Blanchard’s phone.

Court records indicate Blanchard had not been granted bond on the new charges as of Friday afternoon.

BREAKING- SEEKING HELP IDENTIFYING INDIVIDUAL

by Raven | Jan 30, 2026 | Breaking News

We are asking for the public’s help in identifying this individual. This person was last seen in the area of the 2700 block of Ross Clark Circle and may have information regarding the homicide investigation taking place. If you know this person, please contact the Dothan Police Department at 334-793-0215, Central Alabama Crimestoppers at 334-215-STOP, or anonymously online at P3TIPS.com.

#investigation #helpidentify

UPDATED @ 2:52 PM 10:45 AM. Truck Wreck Turns Into Firearm Death

by Rickey Stokes | Jan 30, 2026 | Breaking News

DOTHAN: 09:55 AM. Dothan 911 dispatched a motor vehicle accident in the 2700 block of Ross Clark Circle. In the Double Tree parking lot.

On arrival Dothan Police found a male subject who received a gunshot wound and is deceased. A black male is reported to have fled on foot.

A complete examination has not been done to determine for sure gunshot wound. Investigators have to make sure all documented before moving body.

Dothan Fire and Pilcher Ambulance on the scene along with multiple Dothan Police Officers and Criminal Investigators. Dothan Police Chief Will Benny and Dothan Police Major Will Glover are on the scene.

K-9 Track teams and WASP ( Wiregrass Aviation Support ) are in the air and on land searching for suspect.

Anyone with information call Dothan Police, 334-793-0215.

UPDATED @ 12:02 PM

it has been confirmed this is a murder.

UPDATED @ 2:08 PM

The suspect has been taken into custody at Stonewood and Fortner Street. The suspect has been transported to Dothan Police Criminal Investigation Division.

RSN does know the name of the victim and family has probably been notified. However until I can get up with Houston County Coroner Robert Byrd to confirm family notification RSN is going to withold name.

UPDATED @ 2:52 PM

Dothan Police Patrol Officers spread out in the area searching for suspect. The patrol officers also searched for anyone who might have video of anyone running.

Dothan Police questioned and detained two suspects at Bojangle’s. A Dothan Police Patrol Officer spotted a suspect at Stonewood and Fortner Street. In minutes multiple officers were on the scene with him. The suspect was transported to Dothan Police Criminal Investigation Division. Dothan Police Chief Will Benny and Dothan Police Major Will Glover have been on the scene and Dothan Police headquarters very much involved in the investigation.

No suspect names have been released at this time.