On January 10, 2026, a fatal shooting occurred in Dothan, Alabama, resulting in the death of 35-year-old Brandon Layfatte Jones. The incident took place around 4:00 AM in the parking lot of a local establishment located on Montgomery Highway.
Dothan Police Arrest Suspect Following Fatal Shooting
Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered Jones lying on the ground with a gunshot wound to his upper torso. Efforts by Dothan Fire and Rescue to save him were unsuccessful. He was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Investigation and Arrest
Following the shooting, the Dothan Police Department initiated an investigation, which quickly revealed multiple leads. The efforts of the Dothan Patrol Division and the Criminal Investigation Division, alongside the Dale County Sheriff’s Department, were instrumental in moving the case forward.
By 7:15 PM on Saturday, investigators had gathered enough evidence to issue a murder warrant for 40-year-old Ted Carstiel Caldwell, a resident of Ozark, Alabama. Sheriff Bynum and deputies located Caldwell later that evening and took him into custody.
Caldwell was transported to Dothan, where he was booked into the Houston County Jail without bond. He faces charges of murder stemming from the shooting.
The Incident
- Victim: Brandon Layfatte Jones, 35, of Dothan.
- Shooting time: Approximately 4:00 AM.
- Location: Parking lot of a local establishment on Montgomery Highway.
- Suspect: Ted Carstiel Caldwell, 40, from Ozark, Alabama.
- Caldwell’s criminal history includes past arrests for assault and other offenses.
Witness reports indicate that Jones was unarmed during a physical altercation triggered by a minor dispute in the parking lot when Caldwell intervened and allegedly fired his weapon.
Community Response
The Dothan Police Department expressed gratitude towards Sheriff Bynum and the Dale County Sheriff’s Department for their collaborative efforts in addressing this tragic incident. The teamwork between local law enforcement agencies demonstrates a commitment to community safety and crime resolution.
Authorities are continuing their investigation and have encouraged anyone with pertinent information regarding the case to contact the Dothan Police Department at 334-615-3000 or CrimeStoppers at 334-215-STOP.
