NJ Native Killed Boyfriend, Arrested Years Later, Police Say

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — A Morris County native has been arrested for killing a man two years ago in Alabama, according to authorities.

Julian Taylor Morris, 33, originally of Jonesboro, Georgia, and a 2011 Dover High School graduate, has been charged with the murder of Deundray Cottrell, 31, of Atlanta, Georgia. A MorrisFocus report says that the pair were romantically involved.

The charges stem from an incident on July 4, 2024, when Cottrell was reported missing in Alabama while visiting his family for the holiday. Cottrell's body was found two days later, and the case was ruled a homicide after he was found strangled, Alabama police said.

Following two years of investigation, authorities have determined that Morris was responsible for the man's death.

On Monday, Morris was arrested by U.S. Marshals in Miami, Florida. He is currently being held without bond at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center awaiting extradition back to Alabama.

“This arrest, as well as the other arrest on cases from previous years, show how relentless our department is and how dedicated our officers are," said Birmingham Chief of Police Michael Pickett. “We will continue to pursue those responsible for violent crimes, no matter where they may run. We will continue to seek justice for Deundray Cottrell and his family and remain committed to holding those responsible accountable.”