The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the homicide of a Mentone man following a shooting incident on Thursday evening. Marcus Adams Battles, 39, of Mentone, was found deceased inside a vehicle that had crashed into a residence on AL Highway 117.

DeKalb County 911 received a call at 6:16 p.m. reporting the incident in the 3000 block of US HWY 117. Responding to the scene were Mentone Police, DeKalb County Deputies, DeKalb Ambulance Service, and Mentone Fire and Rescue. Despite the efforts of first responders, Battles was pronounced dead at the scene due to a gunshot wound.

The DeKalb County Criminal Investigation Unit and Jacksonville State University’s Center for Applied Forensics were called in to investigate.

Sheriff Nick Welden has officially ruled Battles’ death a homicide. “This was such a senseless act of violence that took a man’s life and changed one family forever,” Sheriff Welden stated. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Battles family and friends.” The investigation is ongoing.

This is a developing story, and more information will be released as it becomes available.