A quiet evening in downtown Decatur, Alabama was shattered on Thursday when gunfire erupted outside the 5th Avenue Food Mart, leaving 23-year-old Dontay Jamar Garner dead and a community reeling. The incident happened just after 6:30 p.m. and swiftly drew a law-enforcement response that has led to an arrest, though many questions still linger.
According to reports from the Decatur Police Department, officers arrived at the scene on 5th Avenue and discovered Garner suffering from a gunshot wound. First responders attempted life-saving measures, but county coroner Jeff Chunn pronounced him dead at the scene. Investigators then identified 21-year-old Xavier Rashawn Sutherlin as the suspect. He was reportedly still at the scene when officers arrived, and was taken into custody without resistance. He’s been charged with murder and is being held without bond at the Morgan County Jail pending further court proceedings.
Beyond the arrest, detectives from the Violent Crimes Unit have begun the painstaking work of reconstructing the moments leading up to the shooting. While authorities have confirmed no additional suspects are being sought at this time, they have not released a motive or the relationship, if any, between Garner and Sutherlin. Surveillance footage from neighboring businesses is being reviewed and witnesses are being interviewed in the hope of establishing a clearer timeline.
For many neighbors and friends, the loss hits hard. Garner is being remembered as someone whose kindness and loyalty stood out. While specific details of his life remain private, the sudden end of his story has left his community shocked. According to his public profile, Garner is now recorded by the Gun Memorial project as a victim of gun violence in Alabama, his life cut short on October 30, 2025.
In the wake of the shooting, community members around the area of 5th Avenue expressed sorrow and frustration. Many say a sense of safety has frayed in recent months as violent incidents have grown. The tragedy has renewed calls for neighbor vigilance and communication with law-enforcement. Officers are urging anyone who witnessed the event — or who may hold footage or information — to come forward to the Decatur Police Department or to reach out to Morgan County Crime Stoppers.
The incident is a solemn reminder of the toll that gun violence takes—not just on individuals, but on entire neighborhoods. As the investigation continues, the hope is that answers will bring some measure of closure to a community left grappling with loss and the urgent need for peace.
In the days ahead, authorities say they will share more as evidence is analyzed and witnesses are interviewed. Until then, the city mourns a life and hopes for safer tomorrows.
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