David Guess, 51, of Trinity was killed after a confrontation over catalytic converters in Hillsboro, Alabama. On March 5, 2022, Guess went to a residence on County Road 294 where an argument escalated into a physical altercation; he was beaten by several people and, while attempting to flee, was shot in the chest. A preliminary autopsy listed the gunshot wound as the cause of death.

After the shooting, Guess’s assailants placed him in a pickup truck, drove to a remote spot near the intersection of County Roads 222 and 294, doused his body with gasoline, and set it on fire. His burned remains were found and identified on March 7, 2022. The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office led the investigation with help from the Moulton Police Department and the State Bureau of Investigations.

Five people were arrested in connection with the murder. Charles Allan Keel, 43, of Trinity, faced murder, abuse of a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, first-degree assault, and first-degree kidnapping. Also charged were Wendell Junior Proctor, 44, Tyler Ray Tippett, 26, Devon Allan Keel (17), and Jamie Michelle Parker, 35, on various charges including abuse of a corpse, tampering, assault, kidnapping, and hindering prosecution. If anyone knew David or has information about the events on County Roads 222 and 294, please come forward.