Otis Keon Cole, 37, was found dead of an apparent gunshot wound at the Knoll Circle Apartments on 17th Street in Northport in the early morning hours of August 15, 2024. Northport Police arrived about 5:45 a.m. and pronounced Cole dead at the scene. Family members at the location identified the alleged shooter as Cole’s nephew, 27-year-old Keyontae Franshon Coleman, who was located and detained shortly afterward.

The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit took over the inquiry and charged Keyontae Franshon Coleman with one count of murder; he was booked into the Tuscaloosa County Jail and held without bond pending a hearing. Authorities say the motive remains under investigation. This was the 23rd homicide the Violent Crimes Unit handled in 2024.

If anyone was in the area of Knoll Circle Apartments the morning of August 15 or has information about what led to this shooting, please share what is known with investigators.