Missing Atlanta man found dead in Alabama, police searching for 2nd man
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Police in Alabama say they have found the body of an Atlanta man who went missing on the Fourth of July in Birmingham.
The Birmingham Police Department says that 31-year-old Deundray Cottrell was last seen on Thursday in the 7900 block of 4th Avenue South.
After searching for days, officials tell WBRC that they found Cottrell's body just before 3 p.m. on Saturday. Authorities believe the events leading up to Cottrell's disappearance are suspicious.
Cottrell's death remains under investigation.
Deundray Cottrell's disappearance in Alabama
Cottrell's sister, Angela Harris, told AL.com that the missing man and his partner traveled to visit her and her family for the holiday.
According to Harris, Cottrell told the family he was going to make sure his dog was handling the fireworks.
"He went and checked on the dog and I never saw him again,’' Harris told AL.com.
Deundray Cottrell (Birmingham Police Department)
Harris said that they later found Cottrell's shoes and cell phone in the home's backyard.
AL.com reports that the family found Ring camera footage at several nearby homes that saw Cottrell running through yards.
"It looked like he was looking for refuge,’' Harris said. "He was running for his life."
Search for man in connection with Cottrell's disappearance.
Julian Taylor Morris (Birmingham Police Department)
The Birmingham Police Department is now asking for help finding 31-year-old Julian Taylor Morris in connection with Cottrell's disappearance and death.
On Facebook, Harris said Morris was now "hiding because he thinks someone wants to harm him."
Officials described Morris as 5 feet 6 inches tall with a weight of 160 pounds.
Officers are offering a reward of up to $5,000 for any information that leads to an arrest and indictment in the case.
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of either man should call Birmingham Crime Stoppers at (205) 254-7777 or 911.