Wesley Blake Bowen Obituary, Cause of Death: Beloved Dothan, AL Father Died After Shooting – A murder investigation is underway in Dothan, Alabama, after a man was found shot dead inside a truck near a local hotel on Wednesday morning. Coroner Robert Byrd identified the victim as 33-year-old Wesley Blake Bowen, a Dothan resident and graduate of Rehobeth High School.
According to Major Will Glover with the Dothan Police Department (DPD), Bowen’s body was discovered inside a truck that was partially submerged in a small body of water directly in front of the DoubleTree hotel along Ross Clark Circle. Emergency crews were required to remove the vehicle from the water in order for investigators to continue processing the scene.
Police say initial 911 calls came in around 9:55 a.m., reporting a vehicle located in a watery ditch near the hotel. Upon arrival, officers discovered Bowen deceased inside the truck.
Authorities have confirmed they are actively searching for a suspect in connection with the case. A person of interest has been taken into custody, though police have not released further details at this time. DPD has also circulated a possible photo related to the investigation as they work to determine the circumstances surrounding Bowen’s death.
The cause of death has not yet been released. Bowen’s body has been sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for an autopsy, the results of which are expected to play a key role in the ongoing investigation.
As the investigation continues, family, friends, and community members are mourning the loss of a man remembered as a beloved son, father, partner, friend, and colleague. Those who knew Bowen describe him as deeply valued by the people in his life, and his death has left many in shock.
Two people were briefly detained near Bojangles but were quickly released after being questioned. Another person was possibly detained on Stonewood Drive off Fortner Street. According to Major Glover with the Dothan Police Department, “One person of interest has been detained, but no charges at this time.”
Police are urging anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Dothan Police Department as they work to bring clarity and justice to the case.