Fort Payne Double Homicide Leaves Community Grieving

Suspect Charged With Capital Murder After Fatal Sunday Evening Shooting

T.L. Sullivan | The Weekly Ledger News | Area News

FORT PAYNE, Ala. — The Fort Payne community is reeling after a tragic double homicide Sunday evening left two young parents dead and a suspect behind bars.

According to Fort Payne Police Chief David Davis, the shooting occurred at approximately 5:59 p.m. on November 9 in the 1300 block of Alabama Avenue NW, within the Fort Payne Housing Authority complex. Officers responded to a 911 call reporting shots fired.

When officers arrived, they discovered two victims with gunshot wounds inside the kitchen area of the apartment. Officers immediately secured the scene and rendered aid until medical personnel arrived. Despite life-saving efforts, both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

Photo courtesy of social media of Alisha Nichole Keller, 27, and Logan Cordale Brown, 24, both of Fort Payne.

The victims have been identified as Alisha Nichole Keller, 27, and Logan Cordale Brown, 24, both of Fort Payne.

Photo courtesy of Fort Payne Police Department of Jacob Eugene Mitchum, 27, of Oxford.

Following an initial investigation, authorities identified Jacob Eugene Mitchum, 27, of Oxford, as the suspect responsible for the fatal shootings. Information quickly surfaced that Mitchum had fled toward Oxford after the attack. Working with the Oxford Police Department, Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, and the East Metro Area Crime Center (EMACC), officers located and arrested Mitchum without incident.

Fort Payne investigators traveled to Oxford to transport Mitchum back to Fort Payne, where he was formally charged with Capital Murder of two or more persons. He was taken before a judge for an initial appearance and ordered held without bond pending transfer to the DeKalb County Detention Center.

Chief Davis spoke with The Weekly Ledger News shortly after the arrest, expressing both sympathy and gratitude.

“We’re sorry for their loss,” Davis said. “It’s always tough. We’re sorry for what happened. I just appreciate the quick response of our officers and also the neighboring jurisdictions that reached out and helped. If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t have had the suspect in custody as quickly as we did.”

The department emphasized that no children were present at the apartment when the shooting occurred and clarified that no current threat reports had been made to their department prior to the tragedy. Officials added that the situation originated in another county, and Fort Payne Police were not aware of any prior history involving the suspect until after the incident.

Chief Davis also reaffirmed the department’s commitment to protecting victims of domestic violence.

“Domestic violence is a serious crime that affects individuals, families, and the community as a whole,” Davis said. “Fort Payne Police Officers are trained to respond swiftly, investigate thoroughly, and connect victims with local resources for safety and support. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please reach out — help is available.”

This heartbreaking incident marks the first homicide in Fort Payne in 2025. The investigation remains ongoing, with additional details expected as authorities continue their work.

The Weekly Ledger News extends its deepest condolences to the families of Alisha Keller and Logan Brown, and will continue to follow this developing story as updates become available.