A domestic dispute over personal property turned deadly in Eight Mile, Alabama, when 57-year-old James Suggs was shot at his home on East Markris Circle on June 8, 2025. Deputies found Suggs in his front yard about 7:35 p.m. with a gunshot wound to the neck; he was taken to a hospital and later died. Known to friends and family as Bo Buckles, Suggs worked as a carpenter and was born August 16, 1967.

Investigators identified two brothers, Austin Wheat-Payne, 25, and James Wheat-Payne, 27, as the alleged shooters. Authorities say the brothers arrived at Suggs’s residence armed to confront him after Austin, who had hired Suggs for a construction job, alleged Suggs had stolen personal property. The brothers fled but were detained at Blount High School after Austin called 911; the firearm believed to have been used was recovered from the front seat of their vehicle. Both men were booked into the metro jail and charged with murder.

If anyone knew Suggs, his work, or saw activity near East Markris Circle that evening, please share information with investigators.