TRAGEDY AT TWIN PEAKS: OFF-DUTY OFFICER INVOLVED IN FATAL SHOOTING OF RAY’SHUN MARKELLE BATES
Huntsville, Alabama – October 30, 2023
A devastating shooting occurred at Twin Peaks in Huntsville, resulting in the tragic death of 23-year-old Ray’shun Markelle Bates. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has identified the shooter as 21-year-old Jeremiah Matkins, who has been charged with murder and is currently being held in the Madison County Jail.
FATAL CONFRONTATION
According to Huntsville Police Chief Kirk Giles, a confrontation between two groups escalated into a fight on Saturday night at Twin Peaks, a popular restaurant on University Drive in the MidCity District. During the altercation, an off-duty officer from the Huntsville Police Department (HPD) became involved in the shooting.
OFF-DUTY OFFICER INVOLVEMENT
The off-duty officer was working a department-approved security shift for the business when the shooting occurred. ALEA confirmed that the officer discharged his weapon, though no one was injured by his gunfire.
VICTIM IDENTIFIED
Ray’shun Markelle Bates, a 23-year-old from Decatur, was identified as the victim who succumbed to his injuries. Two additional individuals were injured and taken to the hospital for treatment.
SHOOTER IDENTIFIED AND CHARGED
Jeremiah Matkins, a 21-year-old from Huntsville, was identified as the shooter and has been charged with murder. He is currently being held in the Madison County Jail with a bond set at $50,000.
INVESTIGATION ONGOING
The investigation into the shooting will be completed by ALEA before being handed over to the Madison County District Attorney’s Office for further review.
MEDICAL RESPONSE
Don Webster, spokesperson for the Huntsville Emergency Medical Services (HEMSI), reported that four individuals were taken to Huntsville Hospital Trauma Services, with one person in critical condition.
AUTOPSY SCHEDULED
Madison County Coroner Tyler Berryhill confirmed that Bates had succumbed to his injuries by Sunday morning, and he noted that an autopsy is scheduled in Huntsville later this week to further examine the cause of death.
