A man was fatally shot by a co-worker multiple times on his first day at his new job at a manufacturing plant in Alabama.
Jefferson County sheriff’s officials responded to reports of a man shot just after midnight on Wednesday at the Samuel Associated Tube Group in Pinson.
The victim was identified as 29-year-old John Eric Cole who officials say was shot several times in the back while on his first shift at the company. Cole was pronounced dead at the scene, the sheriff’s office said.
The suspect, 34-year-old Dexter Rashad Walker, had initially fled but was identified by witnesses as an employee.
The two allegedly had a legal dispute earlier this year.
Walker promptly returned to the scene and turned himself over to deputies, according to the sheriff’s office. He was transported to the Jefferson County Jail, where he is being held without bond. He is charged with murder.
Officials said it is not clear what led to the shooting. However, a company statement said the victim and the suspected gunman knew each other outside the plant, which employs over 200 people.
Cole is the stepfather of Walker’s son, according to court records obtained by the Associated Press. In March, Walker accused Cole of choking the 12-year-old boy and making threats months earlier.
“My son … told me that he doesn’t feel safe at the home where he (resides) and the stepfather has been abusing him over and over,” Walker wrote, according to court documents.
A judge issued an order requiring Cole and the boy’s mother to stay away from Walker. In July, Walker asked the judge to dismiss the case because he felt that the boy was no longer in danger.
Samuel Associated Tube Group said it is cooperating with law enforcement in its investigation.
Tell us your thoughts...