This undated photo provided by the Auburn Police Department shows Officer William Buechner, who was killed while responding to a domestic disturbance report on Sunday, May 19, 2019. Grady Wayne Wilkes, who opened fire on police Sunday night, killing Buechner and wounding two other officers, was arrested Monday, May 20 and charged with capital murder, authorities said. (Auburn Police Department via AP)
AUBURN, Ala. (AP) – Residents described moments of confusion and terror as a gunman rained deadly gunfire on police at an Alabama mobile home park known as a quiet spot to live for both college students and young couples.
Arrowhead Park, where owner Tom Cordi said the suspect resided with a woman who is in veterinary school and their child, was considered safe before the shooting, residents said.
“It’s a harmonious kind of place,” said Cordi.
That changed late Sunday when a resident identified by authorities as longtime Alabama National Guard member Grady Wayne Wilkes, 29, allegedly unleashed bullets on officers responding to a reported domestic disturbance. The shooting left one officer dead and two others wounded.
This booking photo released by the Auburn Police Department on Monday, May 20, 2019, in Auburn, Ala., shows Grady Wayne Wilkes. Wilkes, who opened fire on police responding to a domestic disturbance report, killing one officer and wounding two others, was arrested on Monday and charged with capital murder and attempted murder, authorities said. (Auburn Police Department via AP)
On Tuesday, Wilkes appeared in court in handcuffs and leg shackles for an initial hearing, answering a judge’s questions politely and wearing a light-blue shirt.