The Mobile County Sheriff's Office is investigating the latest homicide in Prichard, which happened over the weekend.
Willie Cook, 46, was found shot in the chest and arm early Saturday. Deputies discovered Cook at Cato Avenue and O'Neil Street, although they believe the shooting occurred at another location.
Sheriff Paul Burch told 1819 News that investigators are now asking the public to come forward with any information or video from the area.
"We are looking for suspect information and we've been given a few nicknames that we're obviously chasing down," Burch said. "There should be some video footage in the area."
Burch said based on the evidence, it appears robbery was a primary motive in the killing.
The sheriff's office took over major crime investigations in Prichard in December 2024. Burch said the sheriff's office has invested a significant amount of resources in combating crime in the city, which has just under 19,000 residents, and he believes those efforts are making a difference.
"We are still seeing a lot of gang violence and shootings, and unfortunately, the shootings where no one is killed rarely make the news anymore," Burch said. "But I would say things have slowed down a little."
"We have focused a lot on individuals who are responsible for a lot of that violence, and that has been successful," he continued. "And I think it will continue to be successful."
If anyone has any information, they are asked to call the sheriff's office at 251-574-8633.
"In cases such as this, it is very important that if you see something, then say something", said Burch. "We depend on the community to provide us with information so that we can arrest those who continue to take the law into their own hands".
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