Man Found Dead in Submerged Vehicle Identified as Homicide; Suspect Captured

DOTHAN, Alabama – A man found inside a submerged vehicle in Dothan Friday morning was the victim of a fatal shooting, and police say the case is now being investigated as a robbery-related homicide.

According to the Dothan Police Department, officers were dispatched just before 10:00 a.m. on January 30, 2026, after multiple callers reported a vehicle that had crashed into a retention pond in the 2700 block of Ross Clark Circle. When first responders arrived, they found the vehicle fully submerged. Initial attempts were made to check on the occupant, but the individual was pronounced deceased at the scene.

During a closer examination, investigators discovered the victim had suffered a fatal gunshot wound. Witnesses at the scene reported seeing a Black male fleeing the area shortly after the crash, prompting an immediate search by officers.

The victim was identified as 33-year-old Wesley Blake Bowen of Dothan.

While canvassing nearby neighborhoods, officers located a man matching the suspect description on Stonewood Drive behind Farrah Circle. The individual was identified as Michael Tywuan Taylor, 24, of Ozark, Alabama. Officers and investigators also recovered a jacket and a handgun in the area where Taylor was located.

Preliminary findings indicate Bowen and Taylor were traveling together to an unknown destination, with Bowen driving. Investigators believe Taylor attempted to rob Bowen, pulled out a firearm, and shot him while inside the vehicle. After Bowen was incapacitated, the vehicle continued moving and crashed into the retention pond.

Taylor has been charged with Capital Murder during the course of a robbery and is being held without bond.

“We want to thank the many members of the community who gave information that assisted in the capture of this individual,” said Dothan Police Chief William E. Benny. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Bowen’s family and friends as they grieve.”

Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Dothan Police Department at 334-615-3632, Central Alabama Crime Stoppers at 334-215-STOP, or submit a tip anonymously through P3TIPS.com.