The Jefferson County Medical Examiner’s Office performed an autopsy and ruled Cottrell’s death a homicide, and local police have named his romantic partner, Julian Taylor Morris, as a person of interest, according to a news release from the Birmingham Police Department.

Deundray Cottrell disappeared when he went to check on his dog while visiting family in Alabama on the Fourth of July. His body was found in an abandoned shed hours later. https://t.co/hMV2XclI8z

— FOX 5 Atlanta (@FOX5Atlanta) July 9, 2024

Cottrell was originally from Birmingham but lived in Atlanta for about 10 years, 11 Alive reported. According to his Instagram, he was working on his PhD, having previously earned a master’s degree in public administration and a bachelor’s degree in marketing. In addition to his academic achievements, he was also an influencer, dancer, model and photographer.

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