Doctoral student from Atlanta found dead in a shed in Birmingham, police are searching for his boyfriend, who was the last person to see him

Authorities in Alabama are on the hunt for the partner of an Atlanta doctoral student who tragically was found dead in Birmingham shed, just two days after mysteriously disappearing from a family-festive 4th of July gathering.

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The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office ruled the death of 31-year-old Deundray Cottrell as a homicide, although the exact circumstances surrounding his death remain undisclosed. Reports suggest that the focus of the investigation is on locating a key figure in the case – Cottrell’s boyfriend of three years, 31-year-old Julian Taylor Morris, who has been missing since Friday morning and was the last to see Cottrell alive.

What happened to Deundray Cottrell?

“He went and checked on the dog and I never saw him again,’’ Harris told AL.com.

She shared that Morris was in the house too, but said he told them that he and Cottrell had a conversation before Cottrell left and ran through a backyard. While the family started their search for him, they stumbled upon Cottrell’s shades, phone, and a shoe. The family said they also observed Morris acting oddly, and strange, different from what they’ve known the past three years. 

Ring footage shows Cottrell running through yards

The family said they were able to track Ring camera footage from homes nearby that showed Cottrell running through yards and even jumping over a gate. The family believes he was running for his life.

Cottrell’s told the outlet that they saw Morris on Friday morning, but they did not see him after that, and he has not been seen since.

Morris was the last person to see Cottrell alive. He is described as a Black male, 5 feet 6 inches tall, and weighing 160 pounds.