PINE HILL, Ala. — A 47-year-old murder suspect was killed and a federal task force officer was wounded during an early morning warrant execution in Marengo County, prompting a state-level officer-involved shooting investigation, authorities announced.
Ernest Christopher Nathan, 47, was pronounced deceased at the scene after opening fire on law enforcement officers attempting to take him into custody on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
Arrest Warrant Execution and Exchange of Gunfire
The incident occurred at approximately 6:00 a.m. in the 100 block of Ruby Drive in Pine Hill. Officers assigned to the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Gulf Coast Regional Task Force (GCRTF) arrived at the location to execute an active arrest warrant against Nathan for murder.
Upon the task force’s arrival, Nathan opened fire, striking a task force officer. Task force members returned fire, fatally wounding Nathan.
The wounded officer was transported to a regional medical facility for treatment. Law enforcement officials confirmed the officer’s injuries are non-life-threatening and that a full recovery is expected.
State Bureau of Investigation Review
At the request of the U.S. Marshals Service, Special Agents with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) responded to the scene to conduct an independent officer-involved shooting investigation.
ALEA officials stated that once the SBI completes its comprehensive inquiry, all investigative findings will be formally turned over to the Marengo County District Attorney’s Office for review.