FORT PAYNE, Ala. - On Thursday, April 10th, 2025, at 6:16pm Dekalb County 911 received a call in the 3000 block of US HWY 117 in Mentone regarding a vehicle that had struck a residence there. The caller also reported that a male inside the vehicle had been shot.

Mentone Police, Dekalb County Deputies, Dekalb Ambulance Service, and Mentone Fire and Rescue responded to the scene. Upon arrival, first responders rendered immediate aid to the victim, identified as Marcus Adam Battles, 39 years old of Mentone. Mr. Battles passed away on scene as a result of his injuries.

Deputies then secured the scene, and the Dekalb County Criminal Investigation Unit responded along with Jacksonville State University's Center for Applied Forensics. Mr. Battles' death was ruled a homicide, and this is an ongoing investigation.

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden said of the incident: "This was such a senseless act of violence that took a man's life and changed one family forever.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Battles family and friends."   

"God Bless!" Concluded Sheriff Welden.