DOTHAN, Ala. — A former Marine from Dothan, Alabama, has been indicted on a murder charge following the fatal shooting of his girlfriend in January. Dustin Rigsbee, 32, was formally charged after a grand jury in Dale County determined there was enough evidence to move forward with the case. Rigsbee faces one count of murder in connection with the death of 29-year-old Harleigh Dills.
The incident occurred in late January at the Summer Chase trailer park, located on Mance Newton Road in Dothan. Authorities allege that Rigsbee shot Dills in the face with an AR-15 rifle before fleeing the scene and driving to his mother’s residence in Jack, a small town in northern Coffee County.
According to Dothan Police investigator Scott Spivey, Rigsbee informed his mother that he had accidentally killed Dills. Following this, Rigsbee’s mother called 911, informing dispatch that her son had unintentionally shot and killed his girlfriend. The call prompted law enforcement to respond to the home in Jack, where they found Rigsbee armed with an AR-15 rifle and a knife, wearing a bulletproof vest.
An intense standoff between Rigsbee and law enforcement ensued, lasting for approximately eight hours. Sheriff Scott Byrd of Coffee County confirmed that Rigsbee eventually surrendered to authorities.
Spivey stated that the victim, Dills, was most likely shot at close range. Investigators also reported that her body was dragged to the master bedroom of the trailer, leaving a trail of blood. Dills was discovered on the floor of the bedroom, covered with a blanket.
The shooting occurred while three of Rigsbee’s children, along with two of Dills’ children—ranging in age from 2 to 11—were present in the trailer. Following the shooting, Rigsbee took all of the children to his mother’s house in Jack.
Authorities have not disclosed a clear motive for the crime. Rigsbee’s indictment marks a significant step in the legal proceedings, as the grand jury’s decision indicates a belief that the evidence supports the charge of murder. The case will now move forward to trial, where further details are expected to emerge about the events leading up to Dills’ death.
The tragic incident has left the local community in shock, particularly due to the involvement of young children who witnessed the aftermath of the violence. As the case progresses, questions surrounding Rigsbee’s intent and mental state at the time of the shooting are likely to become central to the defense and prosecution’s arguments.
The families of both Rigsbee and Dills are undoubtedly grappling with the emotional toll of this violent tragedy, while the community awaits answers regarding the full circumstances surrounding the death of Harleigh Dills.
