DOTHAN, Ala. — A deadly shooting in a Dothan trailer park has led to a multi-agency investigation and the arrest of a 31-year-old man. The victim, identified as Harleigh Michelle Dills, was found deceased at the Summer Chase trailer park, located off Mance Newton Road.
Dale County Coroner John Cawley confirmed that Dills, a resident of Jack, Alabama, was the victim of the shooting, which took place early Friday morning. Dothan Police responded to the scene around 9:40 a.m. after a call came in reporting a firearm assault with moderate injuries. However, upon arrival, authorities discovered Dills had been fatally shot.
According to police, the suspect, 31-year-old Dustin Rigsbee, fled the scene after the shooting and traveled to his mother’s residence in Jack, Alabama. There, Sheriff Scott Byrd of Coffee County reported that Rigsbee’s mother became suspicious of her son and contacted the police. When deputies arrived, they discovered Rigsbee was armed with an AR-15 rifle, a knife, and wearing body armor.
A tense standoff ensued, lasting for several hours as Rigsbee fled into the woods behind his mother’s home. Deputies, along with support from over 50 law enforcement personnel, including the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office, the State Bureau of Investigation, and dog tracking teams, worked to safely resolve the situation. After a three-hour standoff, authorities were able to convince Rigsbee to surrender peacefully.
The investigation is still ongoing as law enforcement pieces together the details of the shooting. Police confirmed that a family member of Rigsbee, who was in Coffee County, had reported the shooting to authorities, claiming Rigsbee shot Dills at their shared residence in the trailer park. A search warrant was obtained, allowing police to enter the trailer and further investigate the crime scene.
The Dale County Sheriff’s Office also responded to assist Dothan Police at the scene. Rigsbee is now in custody and faces charges related to the shooting.
This tragic incident has left the local community shaken, and authorities are continuing to work to determine the motive behind the crime.
As the investigation unfolds, law enforcement agencies are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.
