Atlanta Man Deundray Cottrell Found Dead After Going Missing on 4th of July, Police Searching for His Alleged Partner

Birmingham police announced the body of a missing 31-year-old man had been found.

The police department said the body of Deundray Cottrell was found in the 7800 block of 5th Avenue South at about 3 p.m. Saturday, July 6.

Police are still searching for his alleged partner, Julian Taylor Morris, in connection with Deundray’s disappearance and death.

via Fox 5:

After searching for days, officials tell WBRC that they found Cottrell’s body just before 3 p.m. on Saturday. Authorities believe the events leading up to Cottrell’s disappearance are suspicious.

Cottrell’s death remains under investigation.

Cottrell’s sister, Angela Harris, told AL.com that the missing man and his partner traveled to visit her and her family for the holiday.

According to Harris, Cottrell told the family he was going to make sure his dog was handling the fireworks.

“He went and checked on the dog and I never saw him again,’’ Harris told AL.com.

Harris said that they later found Cottrell’s shoes and cell phone in the home’s backyard.

AL.com reports that the family found Ring camera footage at several nearby homes that saw Cottrell running through yards.

“It looked like he was looking for refuge,’’ Harris said. “He was running for his life.”

The Birmingham Police Department is now asking for help finding 31-year-old Julian Taylor Morris in connection with Cottrell’s disappearance and death.

On Facebook, Harris said Morris was now “hiding because he thinks someone wants to harm him.”

Officials described Morris as 5 feet 6 inches tall with a weight of 160 pounds.

Officers are offering a reward of up to $5,000 for any information that leads to an arrest and indictment in the case.

This story is incredibly sad — but there’s more to it. Julian took to social media Saturday morning claiming he’s not missing and that their third friend is lying.

Let’s hope Deundray’s family gets the answers they deserve.

This story has more twists and turns than an episode of Murder, She Wrote. I just hope we find out what really happened sooner rather than later.