Ariton, Alabama – In a tragic incident that has shocked the small town of Ariton, a 42-year-old woman, Annie Huffstutler, has been arrested for allegedly shooting her 38-year-old husband, Shawn Christian Watson, while he was asleep in their bed.
The Dale County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene in the early hours of June 14, where they found Watson unresponsive. Despite efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene by a coroner.
Details of the Incident
Authorities were called to the couple’s home just after 2:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 14. According to the sheriff’s office, five children were in the home at the time of the shooting, but none of them witnessed the crime. However, deputies stated that the children did hear the gunshots, and one of them made the call to 911 after the shooting occurred.
Dale County Sheriff Mason Bynum confirmed that the children were not physically harmed but were understandably affected by the situation. “We believe there were five children in the home when the shooting happened, but none of them witnessed the alleged crime,” Bynum told WTVY News4.
Arrest and Charges
Huffstutler was taken into custody and charged with murder. She is currently being held in jail without bond. At this time, authorities have not released a motive for the shooting, and no further details about the incident have been provided.
Sheriff Bynum referred the family to a local social services organization that offers assistance and grief counseling for victims of crime.
“This is a tragic event for this family and for all those affected by such a senseless act,” Bynum said in an interview with AL.com. “Our prayers and full support are with them as they begin the difficult journey of healing and navigating life after this heartbreaking loss.”
Family Tribute and Community Reactions
In the wake of Watson’s death, family members have paid tribute to him on social media. In a heartfelt post on Facebook, Watson’s sister wrote:
“You are forever my brother, my guy chaser away lol, and my bestie. I love you and you’re an angel in heaven.”
The town of Ariton, with a population of fewer than 1,000 people, has been rocked by the tragedy. Ariton is located about 75 miles southeast of Montgomery.