ELMORE COUNTY, Ala. — A shooting incident in Slapout on Friday night has resulted in the death of a 42-year-old man and the arrest of a 23-year-old with murder charges, according to local law enforcement officials.
The altercation occurred around 10 p.m. at a gas station known as The Girl’s Store. Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin reported that the confrontation began when Joel Austin Whitus exited his vehicle to enter the store. At that moment, Aaron Mays, a passenger in another car, alleged that Whitus struck their vehicle with his hand.
Upon leaving the store, Whitus and Mays confronted each other. Mays claimed he noticed a gun visible in Whitus’ waistband during the heated exchange. Feeling endangered, he allegedly shot Whitus in the chest, Sheriff Franklin stated.
After the shooting, Mays and his girlfriend, the driver of their vehicle, initially drove away from the scene but later returned. Deputies arrested Mays at that time and charged him with murder.
The Elmore County District Attorney CJ Robinson has ordered an autopsy for Whitus, as requested by the sheriff’s office.
Details regarding the circumstances that led to the confrontation are still under investigation. Sheriff Franklin indicated that a bond hearing for Mays is anticipated within the coming week. The community remains in shock as authorities work to piece together the events of that night.