The Birmingham Police Department’s ongoing search for Julian Morris, a person of interest in the death of Deundray Cottrell, has prompted attorney Victor Revill, Esq., to issue the following press release on his client’s behalf.

“Mr. Morris is a college-educated veteran who has served his country faithfully as a Marine. He has no prior misdemeanor or felony convictions. Despite the false narratives that are being promulgated about him in this situation, he loved Deundray Cottrell and is currently grieving the death of his beloved one. Mr. Morris wants answers as well and is awaiting those answers after a thorough investigation has been completed. Under the advice of counsel, he will not be giving any further statements at this time.”

Officer Truman Fitzgerald with the Birmingham Police Department released a statement to the media at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 10, and it reads:

“Good evening, Media Partners, Julian Morris was the last person to see and/or hear from Deundray Cottrell before his disappearance. He is currently a “person of interest” in this investigation which means we believe he holds crucial information in this case. Julian Morris was seen by and spoke with BPD officers BEFORE Deundray’s body was discovered. Since Deundray Cottrell’s body was discovered, Julian Morris, his family, and his legal counsel have NOT spoken with BPD detectives. BPD respects Julian Morris’ wish to not provide a statement. We appreciate the community’s support for Deundray and his family as BPD Homicide detectives continue to pursue justice in the Deundray Cottrell Homicide Investigation.”

More information will come as soon as it is made available.

Morris is a graduate of Dover High School, Class of 2011. Click here for the previous story.

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DOVER — The Dover Police Department is currently hiring for the position of SLEO III. The Class III Special Law Enforcement Officers shall conduct School Safety and Security duties. The anticipated start date is September 2024. Minimum Qualifications: The applicant must be a retired law enforcement officer less than 65 years of age, who served as a duly qualified, fully trained, full-time officer in any municipality or county of this State or as a member of the State Police and was separated from that prior service in good standing, within three (3) years of appointment to this position. Applicant must be physically capable of performing the functions of the position, determined in accordance with the Police Training Commission. Applicants must possess a NJ Police Training Commission Basic Police Officer Certification or NJ State Police Academy Certification.

Applicants must possess a valid New Jersey Driver License. Applicant must successfully pass a background investigation. Applicants must successfully pass a psychological/medical evaluation.

The starting Salary for the Class III Special Police Officer is $39.00 per hour. The Dover Police Department is an equal-opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants shall be given full consideration. Please direct questions regarding this position to pier@doverpolicenj.org.

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DOVER — Dover Chief Jonathan Delaney has arrived in Quantico, Virginia, to proudly represent the Town of Dover at the FBI National Academy (FBINA).

Chief Delaney is participating in the 291st session of the FBINA, which includes law enforcement executives from around the world, including Denmark, Cyprus, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Senegal, South Korea, Lebanon, Latvia, Brazil, Kenya, Spain, Italy, Malaysia, and many more.

During his time at the academy, he will engage in a rigorous training program focusing on innovative strategies, leadership techniques, and physical fitness.

BIRMINGHAM — Birmingham, Alabama, Police say they are looking for 31-year-old Julian Morris in the missing person/death investigation of Deundray Cottrell. Morris is a graduate of Dover High School, Class of 2011.

Cottrell was reported missing Thursday, July 4, before being found deceased Saturday, July 6.

BPD says that they believe Cottrell was last seen and heard from Morris and that they may have had a romantic relationship.

“We need to speak to him as soon as possible. He is a 31-year-old black male, 160 pounds. If you locate and see him, please call 911,” stated BPD officials.

If you have any information on his whereabouts, please dial 911 or know that you will REMAIN ANONYMOUS and RECEIVE UP TO $5,000 IN CASH for your tip by contacting Crime Stoppers. Please Dial (205) 254-7777.

At this time, BPD says they are investigating the death as an unclassified death investigation until it can be determined if this will be a criminal or non-criminal case. However, BPD says an autopsy can determine the manner and cause of the death.

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