UPDATE: Julian Taylor Morris Arrested

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Over two years ago, Blaque/OUT Magazine brought you the story of Deundray Cottrell who had disappeared on the 4th of July during a family barbecue in Alabama where he was visiting with his partner, Julian Taylor Morris. Cottrell, a 31yr old Ph.D student was seen running through back yards on a ring camera before his body was discovered in a shed several blocks from where he was last seen. Julian initially spoke with authorities, gave conflicting stories, eventually refused to keep communicating with authorities and disappeared after being named a person of interest. A manhunt for Taylor-Morris began with reported sightings of him making headlines for months. The case and Morris’ trail eventually went cold.

WVTM 13 in Birmingham reports, Julian Taylor Morris, 33, of Jonesboro, Georgia, was taken into custody Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, by U.S. Marshals in Miami, Florida, Birmingham police said. He is being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami pending extradition to Alabama.

Morris is being held without bond.

“This arrest, as well as the other arrest on cases from previous years, show how relentless our department is and how dedicated our officers are. We never stop working for justice,” said Chief of Police Michael Pickett. “We will continue to pursue those responsible for violent crimes, no matter where they may run. We will continue to seek justice for Deundray Cottrell and his family and remain committed to holding those responsible accountable.”