DOTHAN: Houston County Coroner Robert Byrd a decomposed body was found behind a residence on Petty Streey in Dothan. Petty Street is about two blocks behind Ray’s Restaurant.
Coroner Robert Byrd confirmed the body was found in the back yard by lawn care workers. The immediately called 911.
The body had been in the back yard for about a month before found.
Dothan Police and Houston County Coroner’s Office has handling the investigation.
DOTHAN: 9:09 PM Dothan 911 dispatched a structure fire, 404 Audubon Road in Dothan. This runs between Stonebridge and Oxford Drive.
At the time of dispatched Dothan 911 reported smoke visible and reports are all occupants were out of the structure. The structure is reported to be a split level, two storey structure. Dothan Fire reported this is an offensive attack, working structure fire.
Dothan Fire Engine Company 10 ( West Main ), Engine 2 ( South Park ), Engine 4 ( Southside ), and Truck 3 ( Whatley Drive, Pilcher Ambulance and Dothan Police are on the scene.
Anyone with scene pictures TEXT RICKEY 334-790-1729
Governor Ivey Proclaims Will Roberts Day in Honor of His Bravery and Inspiration to be Strong, Keep Hope and Have Faith
MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday issued a proclamation in honor of William “Will” Roberts, son of ALEA SBI Captain Jason Roberts and his wife Brittney. At just 15 years old, Will passed away on Thursday, July 23, following a long and courageous battle with stage 4 bone cancer. The proclamation recognizes Will’s life and establishes August 1, 2026, as Will Roberts Day in the state of Alabama.
“Alabama is remembering Will as a brave young man whose courage inspired us all,” said Governor Ivey. “God has called him home, where he is healed and with our Savior. I am proud to honor his life well-lived by officially proclaiming Will Roberts Day in the state of Alabama. He inspired me, and he inspired us all.”
For over a year and a half, Will bravely fought osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. His online call for help provided him access to experimental treatment and garnered widespread public attention from thousands of strangers across the nation, including the Trump Administration. Many offered their support through generous donations, which helped cover the cost of his extensive experimental treatment in California.
Will was a light to everyone around him. Despite his difficult journey, he could always find a reason to smile or encourage someone else. His journey united many in prayer, faith and community. He exemplified true bravery in the midst of suffering, and his life is a testament to every child in the state of Alabama and the nation who has battled cancer.
Will’s passing occurred in the early morning hours of his mother’s birthday, and according to her, he “is finally ringing his forever cancer-free bell.” His life was an inspiration to thousands, and his legacy will be remembered.
Will’s funeral will take place this Saturday, August 1, 2026.
(DOTHAN, Ala.) On July 29, 2026, the Dothan Police Department was notified that a suspect wanted for Kidnapping of a Minor and Probation Revocation charges from Orlando, FL was possibly in the Dothan area. Orlando Police Investigators also relayed that there was an emergency pick-up order for a child under 10 years old out of Orange County, Florida that was currently with the suspect. The suspect was identified as Jenay Dominique Burns (38). Florida authorities used License Plate Readers (LPR) to confirm the vehicle was near the Dothan area.
Investigators with Dothan Police Department and Houston County Sheriff’s Office assigned to the United States Marshal Service Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force immediately began following leads and utilizing all available technology in order to assist in locating Burns and the child.
With the description of the vehicle and photos from the LPRs, Dothan Police Drone Operators utilized drones to locate the vehicle on West Main Street. The vehicle was described as a red Nissan Rogue with a Florida Tag.
Based on that information, investigators were able to locate and stop the vehicle near the intersection of U.S. 231 South and Highway 109 just south of Dothan. Burns was taken into custody without incident. Burns was transported to the Houston County Jail to await extradition back to Florida. The missing child was found in the vehicle and taken into the custody of the Department of Human Resources. DHR will facilitate the return of the child to family members in Florida.
The Dothan Police Department would like to thank the Houston County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Marshal Service for their assistance in getting Burns into custody and starting a path to reuniting this child with her family in Florida. This case was a great example of how layers of technology, good police work, and interagency cooperation can help lead to successful resolutions of potentially dangerous situations.
