Brian Lee Masterson dies in fatal Walker County shooting
Fatal Walker County shooting death of Brian Lee Masterson
Authorities have confirmed the identity of the man killed during a violent incident at a residence in Walker County. Multiple law enforcement agencies were dispatched to Allen Ridge Road in Empire following reports of the fatal shooting. Officials include the Walker County Sheriff’s Office, Sumiton Police Department, and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
The coroner has officially identified the deceased as Brian Lee Masterson, who was 52 years old and lived in Jasper. The man responsible is believed to be a white male, reportedly seen fleeing the scene without a shirt. According to the Walker County Sheriff, Nick Smith, the suspect may have been armed. The individual of interest was located and apprehended through the use of tracking dogs and a helicopter support unit. The suspect’s identity has not been made public.
Sheriff Smith indicated that the suspect was residing at the location of the incident but does not possess legal ownership of the property. Following the identification and apprehension of the suspect, Mr. Masterson’s body was transported to Huntsville for a full autopsy examination.
The investigation is currently ongoing, and Sheriff Smith has stated that the case will be forwarded to the district attorney’s office. The decision regarding charges against the suspect will depend on a thorough review of the evidence, which will also determine if the use of force involved in the incident might be justified under self-defense laws.
