Man Charged With Capital Murder After Fatal Shooting, Vehicle Crash in Dothan

DOTHAN, Ala. (BuzzReport) — A 33-year-old Dothan man was found dead inside a submerged vehicle Friday morning after what police say was a fatal shooting during a suspected robbery.

On January 30, 2026, just before 10 a.m., the Dothan Communications Center received multiple reports of a vehicle that had crashed into a retention pond in the 2700 block of Ross Clark Circle. First responders arrived to find the vehicle submerged in the pond and immediately attempted to check on the occupant inside.

Authorities determined shortly after making contact that the victim was deceased. A closer inspection revealed the man had suffered a fatal gunshot wound. While the scene was being secured, several witnesses reported seeing a Black male running away from the area.

The victim was later identified as Wesley Blake Bowen, 33, of Dothan. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

As investigators continued to gather information, the Dothan Police Department initiated an active search of the surrounding area based on witness statements and surveillance footage. Officers later made contact with a man matching the suspect description on Stonewood Drive, behind Farrah Circle.

The suspect was identified as Michael Tywuan Taylor, 24, of Ozark, Alabama. During the investigation, officers and detectives located a jacket and a handgun in the area near where Taylor was found.

According to a preliminary investigation, Bowen and Taylor were traveling together to an unknown destination, with Bowen driving the vehicle. At some point during the drive, police say Taylor produced a firearm in what is believed to have been a robbery attempt and shot Bowen. Investigators believe the shooting left Bowen incapacitated, causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and enter the retention pond.

Taylor has been charged with one count of Capital Murder–Robbery and is currently being held without bond.

The investigation remains ongoing.