Talladega man arrested for Goodwater murder
Jumarkis Deontae Cook
By Christa Jennings
Senior staff writer
After going nearly a year without a murder in the county, a Talladega man was arrested in connection to a homicide that occurred in the Goodwater city limits Sunday night.
Sheriff Michael Howell reported that the murder occurred at Park Street and Jacob Street in Goodwater. The victim was 29-year-old Desmond Jamal Robinson of Goodwater.
Law enforcement officers acted quickly, and an arrest was made later that night. Jumarkis Deontae Cook, 29 years old of Talladega, was arrested in connection to the case.
The murder occurred at about 9 p.m., according to Sheriff Howell, and Cook was arrested at 11:57 p.m. Sunday.
Cook has been charged with murder, shooting into an occupied vehicle, carrying a pistol without a permit, and reckless endangerment.
Cook’s bonds have been set at $250,000 for the murder charge; $25,000 for discharging a firearm into an occupied vehicle; $2,500 for reckless endangerment; and $2,000 for carrying a pistol without a permit, making his total bond $279,500. As of press time he remained in custody at the Coosa County Jail awaiting trial.
Howell explained that the Sheriff’s Office was called about a possible murder within the Goodwater city limits. Further, Goodwater Police Chief Gerald Whetstone called Howell to request assistance with the case.
Howell said that during the investigation Cook did admit to being involved in the shooting.
Additionally, Howell said that there had been an altercation between Cook and Robinson a couple of weeks ago. However, he said no further details about the case or how the homicide transpired could be given at this time.
Currently the case is still under investigation with further interviews being conducted. Howell asks that anyone with information pertaining to the case call the Sheriff’s Office at 256-377-4922, and anonymous tips are also welcome.
