Slain Alabama officer laid to rest with salutes, sobs
This photo provided by the Dallas County, Ala., District Attorney’s office shows Police Officer Marquis Moorer, who authorities said was shot to death in Selma, Ala., on Tuesday, July 27, 2021. (AP Photo/Dallas County District Attorney’s Office)
SELMA, Ala. (AP) — An Alabama police officer shot to death in what authorities have described as an ambush was laid to rest with honors Thursday.
Dozens of police cars and motorcycles with sirens wailing formed a procession for Selma Police Officer Marquis Moorer as a black hearse carrying his body and adorned with U.S. flags left downtown for the cemetery.
Some in the crowd sobbed and officers with white gloves saluted as an “end of watch” call sounded over a police radio. A photo of Moorer wearing his uniform was on display near the casket.
Donnie Walker, who stood nearby holding an American flag, said he has lots of friends in law enforcement and wanted to show his respect for Moorer, 25. “They put it out there every day,” Walker told WAKA-TV.
Gov. Kay Ivey ordered flags lowered in honor of Moorer.
Moorer was working as a patrol officer on the overnight shift and went home for lunch at an apartment complex where he lived when he was shot with a rifle from outside last month, authorities said.
Javonte Stubbs, 18, was charged with capital murder in the killing of Moorer and attempted murder in the wounding of Shakiaria Barley, a woman described by police as being in a relationship with Moorer.
Stubbs, who was a star football player at Selma High School, denied killing the officer when questioned by reporters during a court appearance. Police haven’t given a possible motive for the shooting, but some evidence could be revealed at a preliminary hearing set for Sept. 17.