Alabama fan charged with murder of LSU fan in gameday slaying

—

November 20, 2019

(Colbert Co. Sheriff's Office/Contributed, PIxabay, YHN)

A Colbert County man has been charged with murder after a fight over a football game went too far.

David Allen Fulkerson, a University of Alabama Crimson Tide fan, had a group of people at his residence to watch his Tide play the LSU Tigers on November 9. One of his guests was LSU fan James Michael Roland Merritt.

The two men got into a conflict that, according to Colbert County Sheriff Frank Williamson, was escalated by alcohol and expletives.

“They just got into it over the ball game,” the sheriff told the Florence Times-Daily. “They’d been jawing at each other all day.”

The fight culminated in Fulkerson shooting Merritt with a pistol. Merritt spent nearly a week on life support at Huntsville Hospital before succumbing to his injuries on Friday.

Fulkerson’s bond is set at $100,000.

Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: henry@new-yhn.local or on Twitter @HenryThornton95.

Recent in News

Sen. Tuberville calls on state lawmakers to pass PSC, utility reform package: ‘Focus on the future of the people of Alabama’

Sawyer Knowles — 3 weeks ago

U.S. Senator and 2026 frontrunner to become the next Governor of Alabama, Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn), voiced his support Wednesday for the multi-bill utility reform package moving through the Alabama Legislature. In a weekly call with in-state reporters, Tuberville urged lawmakers to pass the legislative package, saying the current Public Service Commission members who fail to […]

Orr, Garrett discuss education budget priorities in 2026 as ‘lofty money’ meets PEEHIP shortfall

Sawyer Knowles — 3 weeks ago

The Alabama House and Senate Education Trust Fund budget committee chairmen addressed the Business Council of Alabama’s Tuesday morning briefing, and discussed budget priorities, their working relationship, and the future of education in Alabama. State Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) and State Rep. Danny Garrett (R-Trussville) agreed that managing expectations will be a key challenge this […]