By Staff Reports

DEKALB COUNTY, Ala. — On Saturday, December 1, deputies and local police were dispatched to a shooting at a residence on County Road 34 in Crossville. The victim, George Allen Murphy, 45 of Crossville, was struck one time in the head by an apparent accidental gunshot from inside the residence.

The victims was at his neighbor's house standing on the front porch when the shot came through the closed front door. The individual who fired the shot was a juvenile who resides at the residence. While the case appears to be accidental at this point the case is still under investigation. Murphy is still hospitalized at this time at an undisclosed location.

On Sunday, December 2 at approximately 2pm, the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office received a call of a possible homicide on Alabama Hwy 68 in Crossville.

When deputies and Crossville police arrived on the scene, they found that Austin Dell Gilbert, 27 of Crossville, and William Craig Nicks, 42 of Crossville, had been in an altercation. During the altercation, Gilbert stabbed Nicks. After Gilbert stabbed Nicks, he fled the scene on foot. After a short time, Gilbert was apprehended not too far from his residence. Nicks was transported to Marshall Medical South where he passed away from his injuries. Gilbert was arrested and transported to the DeKalb County Detention Center where he was charged with murder.

The DeKalb County Sheriff's deputies, investigators, Crossville police officers, Geraldine police officers, and Jacksonville State forensic science investigator were all called to the scene to assist.

"I would like to thank all the agencies involved for their assistance on both cases," said Sheriff Jimmy Harris. "Our prayers go out to both families during these horrific incidents."