OPELIKA, Ala. (WRBL) – A tragic family dispute in Opelika has ended in bloodshed, leaving one man dead and his cousin in police custody. The Opelika Police Department confirmed that 38-year-old Quintaveious Johnson, a resident of Opelika, was fatally shot late Sunday night, May 4, 2025. The suspect, identified as his cousin Jamarlo Johnson, 41, has been arrested and charged with murder.
The incident unfolded at approximately 11:38 p.m. when Opelika Communications received a 911 call reporting a shooting at a residence located in the 1200 block of Samford Place. Officers arrived on the scene to find Quintaveious Johnson lying inside the home, unresponsive, with an apparent gunshot wound.
Lee County Coroner Daniel Sexton pronounced Johnson dead at the scene at 10:48 p.m., and his body was transported to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences in Montgomery for a full postmortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
Police arrested Jamarlo Johnson at the scene without incident. He has since been charged with murder and remains in custody. Investigators have confirmed that the shooting was domestic in nature, involving a conflict between the two cousins. However, the exact motive behind the fatal altercation has not been released, and detectives are continuing their efforts to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy.
In a statement released Monday morning, Opelika Police said, “This appears to be an isolated incident. We are not seeking additional suspects at this time. The investigation is ongoing, and more information will be released as it becomes available.”
A Neighborhood in Shock
Neighbors on Samford Place expressed disbelief that violence had erupted so close to home, especially between family members.
“We heard sirens and saw the flashing lights and didn’t know what was happening,” one resident said. “It’s heartbreaking to hear it was between relatives. You never expect that kind of news.”
Quintaveious Johnson, according to those who knew him, was a father and hardworking man who kept to himself. His death has left friends and family reeling, trying to come to terms with the senseless loss.
Seeking Answers
The Opelika Police Department is urging anyone with information that could assist in the investigation to come forward. Tips can be submitted to the Opelika Police Department Detective Division at (334) 705-5220. For those wishing to remain anonymous, the Secret Witness Hotline is available at (334) 745-8665, or tips can be shared through the Opelika Police Mobile App.
As the Johnson family mourns the death of one of their own and grapples with the arrest of another, the Opelika community is left reflecting on how quickly a dispute can turn deadly—and how violence among loved ones can leave wounds far deeper than the physical.
This incident marks another tragic addition to the rising number of domestic-related homicides being reported across Alabama, sparking further calls from community leaders for improved conflict resolution resources and mental health outreach programs.
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